Gamifying Wellness: How Fleet Landing is Redefining Resident Engagement
At Fleet Landing, wellness is more than a class on a calendar — it’s a culture. In the latest episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, host Karina Stickle sits down with Sue Dukes, Director of Wellness Services, to explore how gamification is energizing resident engagement across all levels of care.
With a background in nutrition, fitness, and community wellness, Sue leads Fleet Landing’s WellInspired program — a trademarked initiative that blends innovation, inclusivity, and purpose into every offering. In this episode, Sue shares how competition, creativity, and connection are motivating residents to take charge of their health in a fun and measurable way.
What Is the WellInspired Program?
Launched in 2009, WellInspired is Fleet Landing’s umbrella wellness program, designed to hit every dimension of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, emotional, vocational, and spiritual. It influences everything from fitness to mindfulness and drives the community’s cultural approach to healthy aging.
“We don’t see wellness as just fitness,” says Sue. “It’s about creating programs that meet people where they are — and celebrating every step of their journey.”
Gamifying Wellness: The Power of Points
While gamification often brings to mind simple games like bocce or beanbag toss, Fleet Landing has taken a much deeper approach. Residents earn points for participating in a wide range of activities, from strength training to tai chi, physical therapy, and even paddleboarding. Points are tracked through a digital kiosk or monthly paper trackers, making the system accessible to all.
Residents love the friendly competition — whether it’s against others or themselves — and strive to reach a coveted reward: the annual WellInspired t-shirt.
“Even something as simple as a t-shirt becomes a badge of honor,” Sue says. “And every time they log in, they see their progress, which fuels accountability.”
Making It Inclusive
Sue and her team quickly realized the original program was engaging only a small subset of their highly fit residents. So they expanded. Now, the program tracks everything from stretching and therapy sessions to lower-impact movement and recovery-based activities.
The result? Residents across all levels of mobility and care now feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether someone is returning from surgery or just starting their fitness journey, their efforts count.
“We wanted to make sure everyone had a path to success — not just the gym regulars,” Sue explains.
Technology with a Human Touch
While Fleet Landing is integrating more technology — including digital check-ins and data tracking — they’re careful to maintain paper options to ensure no one is left behind.
Some residents have even requested an app that allows peer encouragement or social competition. While that’s still in development, Sue is optimistic about the future.
“AI and tech can help us deliver better programs, faster,” she says. “But we’re not sacrificing connection. It’s about balance.”
Looking Ahead
From Tai Chi workshops for pickleball players to plans for a sound bath in the pool with a live cellist, Sue’s team is always asking: What can we surprise them with next?
The future of WellInspired includes expanded mindfulness programs, more intellectually stimulating offerings, and plenty of celebrations — because at Fleet Landing, there’s always a reason to throw a party.
Final Thoughts
Sue’s advice to other communities considering gamification?
- Listen to your residents
- Be willing to pivot
- Keep it fun
- Celebrate every win — no matter how small
“You don’t need a huge budget,” she says. “Just creativity, consistency, and a willingness to meet people where they are.”
Listen to the full episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast to hear more of Sue’s story at Fleet Landing and get inspired to think differently about senior living. Whether you’re a caregiver, executive, or passionate advocate—there’s something in this conversation for everyone.