Explore every episode of the podcast Smart Aging™ Podcast

Artful Enrichment founder Cailey Massey joins the Smart Aging™ Podcast to discuss how art programs build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create meaningful connections for older adults, including those living with dementia.

Kelly Burnett discusses how senior living communities can move beyond mandatory dementia training to build confident, compassionate care teams that create better outcomes for residents and families.

When dementia becomes personal, everything changes. In this episode, Lisa Shauf shares how her father's early onset vascular dementia reshaped her understanding of care, connection, and meaningful engagement. From supporting families to creating purpose-driven activities, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone working with older adults living with dementia.

In this episode, Karina Stickle talks with Julianne Wenczel of Peconic Landing about how technology, AI, storytelling, and personalized experiences are helping senior living communities build trust before move-in. Discover practical ideas for creating meaningful connections while keeping the human touch at the center of the journey.

What happens when we stop planning activities and start creating experiences?

In this episode of the Smart Aging Podcast, Karina Stickle talks with Joe Smith, Regional Activity Specialist and Activity Director at Carriage House Nursing and Rehab, about challenging traditional programming, trying new ideas, and giving residents more choice.

From themed events and sensory spaces to community partnerships and social media success, Joe shares how thinking outside the box can create memorable moments and stronger resident engagement.

If you're looking for fresh inspiration and permission to try something different, this episode is for you.

Karina and Abbie discuss how technology in senior living has shifted from optional to essential. They explore common barriers to adoption, the importance of ongoing education, and why repetition and real-life application matter. The episode highlights practical strategies like tech concierge support, building trust with residents, and positioning AI as a simple, helpful tool. The key takeaway: successful adoption comes from meeting residents where they are and supporting them consistently.

Building a strong volunteer program starts small. Dani McNally shares how one connection can grow into a thriving, intergenerational network by tapping into local schools, families, and community groups.

Her approach focuses on simple recruitment, quick orientation, and matching volunteers to their strengths. The result is deeper resident connection, stronger community culture, and volunteers who keep coming back.

Purposeful programming in memory care is about moving beyond keeping residents busy and helping them feel useful, valued, and engaged. In this episode, Jennifer Boonstra shares Anthem Memory Care’s Pathways of Purpose approach, focusing on invitation, personalization, and everyday moments that create meaning.

In this episode, Karina chats with Rita Porreca about how resident-run programming is transforming life at Folkways. With over 100 resident-led committees, programming is driven by residents’ passions, creating stronger engagement, purpose, and community connection. Rita shares how this model works, why it’s so effective, and how other communities can start moving in this direction.

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.