How GetSetUp Revived 80-year-old Carol’s Thirst for Learning and Connection

Nestled in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Carol's journey with GetSetUp began from a place of isolation and physical recovery. A retiree, Carol's vibrant life with her grandkids and kids took an unexpected turn following a severe leg injury. Seeking support as she worked to recover from surgery, she discovered a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and GetSetUp.

"I was in the hospital. I felt so isolated, and I couldn’t get out much after recovery," Carol shares, reflecting on the challenging times that led her to discover GetSetUp.

While Carol didn’t usually feel isolated, her injury made this a reality as she worked to recover. Without work and the ability to go to her clubs and other social activities, she realized her circles were pretty limited during this time. Her exploration into the platform started with wanting to learn more about technology to explore beyond her home as she recovered. This marked the beginning of what she describes as a "lifesaver."

Breaking the Chains of Isolation

For Carol, GetSetUp wasn’t just about attending classes; it was about reconnecting with the outside world. The platform offered her an escape from the isolation that physical immobility had imposed. "The fact that I can go into these classes, it's almost as if I’m out of the house," she explains. This sense of community and daily interaction provided Carol with much-needed social stimulation and became an integral part of her recovery process.

Despite her initial interest in GetSetUp's tech classes, Carol soon found herself delving into a variety of courses, from watercolor painting to mindful journaling. Each class not only introduced her to new skills but also reawakened a part of her that had lain dormant.

"It’s fun to reawaken my creativity," Carol enthuses, highlighting how the platform has broadened her horizons beyond her expectations.

From Solitude to Social Butterfly

Perhaps the most profound impact GetSetUp has had on Carol is the transformation of her mental health and social confidence. Once battling chronic depression and shyness, Carol now finds herself more open, expressive, and connected than ever.

"I live with chronic depression. These sessions have helped me blossom out of my withdrawal," she remarks, crediting GetSetUp for her newfound openness to the world.

“GetSetUp has brought me out of the isolation that I felt I was in. The fact that I can go into these meetings, groups, and in the morning get together and talk to the same people every day and get to know them was a lifesaver when I was confined to the house. But the biggest change goes beyond that. GetSetUp has helped me come out of my shell. My therapist can tell that these sessions have helped me, and now I can go places and talk to anyone. I used to be shy and withdrawn, and now I’m so comfortable with everyone in the world and it's a direct result of being with people in these classes face to face and being able to talk to them.”

Improved Health and Wellness

"It’s not just technical things, but all these health apps and health classes have helped improve my health. I've taken a lot of the exercise classes," Carol adds, highlighting the diverse offerings of GetSetUp that cater to all aspects of well-being.

She was pleased to find a specific class on exercises to help her sciatica that acted up from the limp from her foot surgery and a constant variety of new classes tailored to topics relevant to her life.

“I don’t go a day without going into GetSetUp either to say hi to people or to learn. Sometimes I talk to just one person; other times, it's three or ten.”

Now, Carol is an avid promoter of GetSetUp, sharing her positive experiences on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, and urges others to explore the enriching world GetSetUp provides.

"I tell everyone about it," she states, hoping to inspire others to find the same joy and community she has. She feels good being able to share with others about these classes and the partnership because she believes it not only helps them but also further develops her empathic skills.

Carol’s current favorite classes are the art classes with Guide Deana. She’s been learning how to paint with watercolors. She’s also hooked on Guide Kristine’s Journaling for Mindfulness class, which she says she never misses.

These have helped her improve her computer and Zoom skills, and she’s currently learning more about podcasts and how to utilize those. She appreciates the different modalities that focus on helping her protect her privacy and the classes that teach her how to stay safe online.

“One of the biggest skills I’ve learned is how to engage with other people. It’s sort of a soft skill that’s hard to explain, but my ability now to relate to people and contribute and let them help me as well as help them is a skill I didn’t have well developed for a long time,” explained Carol.

Soft skills like this are helping Carol feel like she’s made more friends. She knows a couple of people who don’t live too far away, and she knows that some of the GetSetUp Michiganders get together for lunches and other social events. Now that her foot is healing, she’s hoping to make it to one of the next ones to meet some of her virtual friends in person!

“I think I am growing intellectually as well as personally because I have a very inquisitive mind. Learning on GetSetUp is like a goldmine and a storehouse of information that I didn’t realize was out there. The people and Guides want you to ask questions, and they want to learn from you, too, in a group of fun and positive people. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, GetSetUp is filling all my needs right now that I can’t get filled any other way, and it’s just helping me overall!” shared Carol.

Carol proves that older adults, with the right resources and community, can turn the page to a new chapter filled with learning, creativity, and connection, regardless of age or physical limitations.