Social Connectedness
January 17, 2023

Overcoming Anxiety and Fears about Aging with GetSetUp

Overcoming Anxiety and Fears about Aging with GetSetUp
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Kathy, who frequently attends GetSetUp classes, is a semi-retired human resource and risk management practitioner. She has worked across various sectors, including local government, public safety, education, healthcare, and the private sector. Additionally, Kathy is an ADR mediator and has spent much of her adult life advocating for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, currently serving as a CASA volunteer.

Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Kathy found herself isolated and overwhelmed with anxiety about aging and becoming ill. She lost sight of a vibrant and healthy future.

"I developed really bad anxiety, a sense of panic and fear during COVID, feeling overwhelmed from the sickness and deaths reported hourly and daily. It led me to worrying about getting old and sickly, and becoming useless and dependent. I was afraid of COVID, and I isolated myself to stay well, and struggled with a host of imagined fears."

Kathy refused to let these feelings consume her. She searched for ways to get active outdoors, connect with people, and engage in learning and personal growth. That's when she discovered GetSetUp, which sparked excitement and motivation.

"I also decided to get counseling to address my COVID-related anxieties, and discovering GetSetUp was perfect timing. Man, I started feeling revived and motivated again. I’ve enjoyed the GetSetUp platform for over two years now, and I continue to find its evolving content interesting, current, and stimulating."

Learning New Skills and Building Confidence

Kathy signed up for several classes each day and multiple days each week, thanks to sponsorship from her local Sacramento Agency on Aging Area 4. Through GetSetUp, she learned iPhone tips and shortcuts and explored other technologies, refocusing her thoughts on learning and productivity.

"I started registering for classes to learn about iCloud, Zoom, and all the Facebook, Instagram, Apple, and Google apps, and Microsoft features, building a website, and several other technologies. I loved gaining new knowledge and sharing amongst my peers. I feel that GetSetUp helped to awaken my mind again. It helped me move from my fears and out of that negative space and helped wake up brain cells."

Kathy regained confidence and new skills, leading her to rejuvenate her career. She completed professional certifications in domestic violence advocacy, human trafficking advocacy, supervised visitation monitoring, dispute resolution, and became a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She also achieved a professional ADR Mediation certification. GetSetUp was her “reboot,” prompting her to regain interest in business, inspired greater confidence, and helped her reconnect with a sense of purpose.

Social Connections and Community

In addition to practical benefits, Kathy appreciated the social aspect of the GetSetUp community.

"It was nice to be amongst people my age and older. I just wanted to be with my peers and share common experiences and perspectives and be able to talk about the grandkids, the great-grands, or chat about something new we've learned or how we view the world and what we're going through in our age group. It's so nice to be able to connect with others who are going through similar life stages and phases and to share and learn from each other.  It’s fun to laugh at ourselves, amongst ourselves.  

Overall, GetSetUp has played a crucial role in helping Kathy to overcome her anxiety and fears from being isolated and overwhelmed with the devastation of COVID.  GetSetUp helped her get active and engaged again.

I honestly believe that at that time, GetSetUp was a lifeline.  I'm so grateful for the support and opportunities that GetSetUp has provided me."