How Bonnie Discovered New Skills and Better Health with GetSetUp

Bonnie, a retired music teacher and pianist from a borough just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, didn’t expect to fall in love with watercolors or dumbbells in her retirement. But that’s exactly what happened when her sister introduced her to GetSetUp, a platform that has become her go-to source for learning, wellness, and inspiration.

“I got involved last year, and I started with a new orientation class in February. My older sister told me about GetSetUp, and I said, ‘That sounds really interesting.’ Once I jumped in, I never looked back.”

Learning New Financial Skills After Retirement

Bonnie first joined to enroll in the Financial Wellness Series that GetSetUp offered.

“I took classes in budgeting, best jobs for retirees, and creative ways to earn extra income from home. I even just took a class on kickstarting your freelance career.”  

The guidance helped her get practical about her finances.

“The budgeting class helped me think more clearly about where I was spending—and why. The Guide gave percentages and suggestions. It really helped me get a handle on things.”

One of her favorite instructors in this financial space? Michael Plumstead. 

“He taught a class on freelancing and offered so many tips. I really appreciated his experience and how knowledgeable he was.”

She’s planning to look for work this year, and the classes helped her start considering her next step. She looks forward to more classes that will help her earn an income when she’s ready to take that next step. 

A New World of Art—and Inner Joy

While financial classes got her started, it was an art class that truly sparked a new chapter in Bonnie’s life.

“All my life, I had wanted to learn watercolor painting. I found Guide Deana’s classes and started with the basics - dry and wet washes, flowers, trees, and then an autumn landscape. That’s why I really love it.”

Painting has become more than a hobby, it’s a therapeutic, expressive outlet. It’s an activity that she likes to do for herself.

“I started an art journal thanks to Deana’s classes. I can use watercolors, crayons, and colored pencils to express myself—it’s much better for me than just writing. I can illustrate poems, quotes, and thoughts. It tickles my inner child and makes me smile.”

Building a Sustainable Wellness Routine

Bonnie’s health has also improved thanks to fitness classes specifically designed for older adults.

“I found Twyla, who teaches gentle movements for arthritis. She’s so helpful—the movements are gentle but strengthening. She taught me that exercise is one of the best ways to manage arthritis.”

As a pianist who still plays, protecting her hands is vital. As a former private instructor and pianist for the Royal Academy of Dance in London, maintaining her hand movement is essential.

“Guide Twyla even includes hand and foot exercises in specific classes focused on this. That was a huge win for me, I need to protect my hands so I can keep playing.”

Bonnie also praised Stacy Robinson’s gentle stretching classes:

“When my neck or shoulders get tight, I go back to her stretches. There’s a move she taught that works every time.”

Plus, Pilar’s fitness classes inspired Bonnie to invest in 3-pound dumbbells for upper and lower body strength training.

“I didn’t know how to exercise with dumbbells before. Now I know how to use dumbbells for good strength training and have learned how important warm-ups and cool-downs are. These are things I use every day now.”

Skin Care, Self-Care, and Confidence

Bonnie’s wellness journey includes more than physical health. It’s about self-care, too.

“[Guide] Pilar also taught a class on mature skin care. She was so informative. One of the first things she said was to use toner after cleansing, it preps the skin before moisturizer or sunscreen.” Plus, she learned the importance of using facial sunscreen even if she uses nothing else.

That one class reshaped Bonnie’s skincare routine:

“I got some products with hyaluronic acid, not expensive, but really helpful. And I even took a class with a Guide on how to shape your eyebrows. She knew all the techniques!”

Access, Community, and Encouragement

Bonnie typically joins classes from her cellphone, making the accessibility of GetSetUp key to her ongoing engagement.

“My cellphone works just fine to attend classes. I love the personal, intimate atmosphere that the Guides create. They’re so encouraging and supportive. All of them emphasize that it’s never too late to start.”

She also loves the flexibility of the platform.

“I like just sitting in and listening to classes or trying the exercises. I don’t always ask questions, but the instructors always make it feel personal.”

Whether it’s painting landscapes, managing arthritis, or organizing finances, Bonnie credits GetSetUp with improving both her health and her happiness.

“My health and activity level have definitely improved. My well-being, too. It puts a smile on my face to be able to do things I can do now.”

Bonnie’s only request? More classes. She’s eagerly searching for more financial wellness sessions and new art projects with Deana.

“GetSetUp offers such a great variety of topics. I’m looking forward to continuing. I’m running out of scheduled classes, so I’ll be signing up for more soon!”

She’s also sharing GetSetUp with others.

“I’ve told people on the support line about it. I recommend it whenever I can. I have found the classes all to be a great addition to my life. I'm so grateful for being there and offering such varied and interesting classes, and the guides are so well informed.” 

She loves the personal, intimate atmosphere the guides create in the GetSetUp classes. Their warm introductions, encouragement, and constant message that it’s never too late to get started have helped her learn to express herself better, even in her 70s! The encouragement and support to get started and keep at it from her favorite Guides, like Twyla and Deana, is what keeps her coming back.