On this episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, Karina talks with Bruce Lipnick, founder of Stage Access, about bringing world-class performances into senior living. They explore how music supports memory, brain health, and connection—and how technology shaping the future of resident engagement.

In this Smart Aging episode, Karina and Nancy Kotarski from Friendship Village of Kalamazoo explore how intergenerational programs spark connection, resilience, and learning—showing seniors as active, engaged, and full of wisdom to share.

In this episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, host Karina Stickle speaks with three leaders from Blakeford Senior Living—Katelyn Morales, Laura Ann, and Emily—about what “Smart Aging™” means in practice, the importance of team dynamics, and the role of technology in senior living.

In part two of this powerhouse conversation, industry leaders Lori Alford and Stephanie Boreal zoom out to explore how senior living is transforming through personalization, wellness, and groundbreaking technologies like AI. From longevity science and proactive care to AI-driven resident engagement, they share real-world examples and bold ideas that are reshaping communities for the better.

In this episode of the Smart Aging™ podcast, host Karina engages with Lori Alfred and Stephanie Boreale, two influential leaders in senior living. They discuss their personal journeys into the industry, the importance of health and wellness, and the challenges of burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for work-life integration, the significance of nutrition and sleep, and the empowerment of the next generation of leaders in the field.

Karina chats with Dr. Sue Paul about how the Kinnections program uses lifestyle, movement, and technology to boost brain health. From rock climbing to brain gyms and AI, discover how innovation is helping seniors stay sharp, active, and independent.

In this episode, Karina chats with Sue Dukes, Director of Wellness Services at Fleet Landing, about how gamifying wellness is transforming resident engagement in senior living.

Key takeaways:

• What is “Well-Inspired”? A trademarked, campus-wide wellness program that spans all dimensions of well-being—physical, emotional, social, vocational, intellectual, and spiritual.

• Gamification explained: A point-based system encourages participation, accountability, and friendly competition across all levels of care.

• Tracking & rewards: Residents earn points via a fitness kiosk or paper tracker for activities like Tai Chi, paddleboarding, strength training, PT, and more. The coveted prize? A custom t-shirt.

• Inclusivity matters: The program is designed to recognize every effort—from intense workouts to gentle recovery sessions—and includes all mobility and fitness levels.

• Tech today & tomorrow: Fleet Landing is expanding its use of technology while balancing accessibility for less tech-savvy residents. AI and app-based social tools are on their radar.

• Future goals: Grow intellectual and mindfulness-based offerings, explore tech-assisted programming, and keep surprising residents with creative new experiences.

“You don’t need a big budget to gamify wellness—just creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to celebrate every win.”

In the first episode of the Smart Aging Podcast, Karina sits down with GoIcon CEO Ryan Galea to talk about technology, innovation, and the future of senior living.
Topics include:

• Ryan’s personal journey into the senior living industry

• What “smart aging” really means

• How technology is transforming communication and engagement

• Misconceptions about tech adoption in senior communities

• Building innovative teams and what’s next for the podcast

COMING SOON: The Spark Behind Smart Aging™ 

In the premiere episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, GoIcon CEO Ryan Galea opens up about the personal story that led him from Wall Street to senior living tech. Hear how one moment with his grandmother inspired an entire platform focused on rethinking the aging experience.

💡 Discover:

• What Smart Aging™ really means (hint: it’s not just about AI)

• Why now is the time to give older adults more credit when it comes to tech

• How small moments and “unreasonable hospitality” create big impact in senior living

• A glimpse into the future of personalized, hospitality-inspired tools coming soon from Go Icon

Get ready to think differently about aging—and feel inspired to create moments that matter.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform soon.