Unlocking a World of Opportunities: The Importance of Lifelong Learning with Lawrence Kosick, President and Co-Founder of GetSetUp & Wade Yarbrough, GetSetUp Program Administrator and Guide
How can we combat the growing challenge of social isolation and loneliness among older adults? The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that social isolation and loneliness are common among older adults and can have significant health implications. Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing two individuals from GetSetUp. Lawrence Kosick is the president and co-founder of GetSetUp, a pioneering initiative designed to empower those over 55 to learn new skills, foster connections, and delve into expanding life experiences. Their unique approach? Offering live classes for older adults, expertly led by older adults themselves. Another integral member of their team, Wade Yarbrough, equipped with a doctorate in psychology, stands out as a guide and program administrator. With a passion for technology, Wade's guidance has led to many older adults embarking on new skill journeys.
The remarkable reach of GetSetUp can't be understated. Their vibrant online community encompasses over 4 million older adults, spanning 160 countries with an impressive catalog of 2000+ classes. Their mission and impact haven't gone unnoticed, earning them recognition in prestigious platforms like The New York Times, Forbes, and The Washington Post.
In our conversation today, we'll be talking about the transformative power of technology, highlighting its role in introducing active agers to new experiences and social connections. Lifelong learning isn't just a phrase; it's a potential-filled journey, and GetSetUp paves the way. We'll discuss their pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, the essence of purpose-driven socialization, and empowering individuals to learn new skills. We also talk about how GetSetUp supports caregivers and underlines the irreplaceable value of peer-led learning. The 50+ demographic is a tapestry of diverse stories, needs, and aspirations — a fact that GetSetUp not only understands but celebrates, offering a class range as varied as its audience.
We also discuss the evolving landscape of lifelong learning and how platforms like GetSetUp are meeting the needs of older adults worldwide. Thank you, Lawrence and Wade, for sharing your dedication and commitment to lifelong learning with us.
Listen to our episode HERE.
Lawrence and Wade share about:
The worldwide challenge of addressing social isolation and loneliness
GetSetUp Introduction: An initiative aimed to empower those over 55 to learn, connect, and experience lifelong learning
The importance of peer-led classes and instruction
The role of technology in older adult engagement
The many ways that GetSetUp supports older adults and family caregivers
The extensive global reach that supports those worldwide
Future Outlook: Evolution of lifelong learning and GetSetUp's adaptation and commitment to the older demographic
Learn more at www.getsetup.io
About GetSetUp & Our Guests
GetSetUp is on a mission to help those over 55 learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences. We are helping to create a world where active agers have the skills, opportunities, confidence, and connections to live their happiest, healthiest lives.
Lawrence Kosick - President and Co-Founder of GetSetUp
Lawrence was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada whereas a child, Lawrence’s father founded a non-profit assisted living facility for older adults. Lawrence grew up spending nights and weekends visiting the facility and was amazed by the wisdom of the residents who had so much more to give. Before co-founding GetSetUp, Lawrence oversaw Business Development and Partnerships for IFTTT, an IoT Connectivity Platform. He also led Sight Machine’s Asian Pacific business operations and was VP of Global Partnerships at Yahoo during its early years. Lawrence is pleased to team up with his long-time friend and co-founder Neil, to create a learning platform for older adults that allows him to continue the work his father started so many years ago. Lawrence is an avid cyclist and trail runner, so it is no surprise that the two co-founders met on the trail and continue to trade ideas that power the mission of GetSetUp and enhance the lives of today’s older adults.
Wade Yarbrough - GetSetUp Guide Program Administrator and Guide
Wade has a doctorate degree in psychology from West Virginia University. He also started working with computers in the 70s when you needed punched cards and the programming languages were FORTRAN and COBOL. For most of his career, he installed and supported healthcare information systems at facilities including the University of New Mexico Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. One of his passions was seeing the “lights come on” while training users on the software and helping them solve problems using the software. In his spare time, Wade enjoys bicycle rides and walks in the park with his wife, Michelle, and their Bichon dog, Elsa Marie.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getsetup.io/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SetupGet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getsetup/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsetup.io
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/pg/getsetup.io/community/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/getsetup/
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
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