Rethinking Senior Living with Smart Aging™: A Conversation with Ryan Galea

The very first episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast kicks off with a powerful conversation between host Karina Stickle and GoIcon CEO Ryan Galea. Together, they explore the story behind GoIcon, the meaning of Smart Aging™, and how technology is reshaping the senior living experience for residents, families, and communities alike.

A Personal Mission Turned Purposeful Innovation

Ryan’s journey into senior living tech began on Wall Street, where he worked in finance—until a deeply personal experience changed everything. When his grandmother received subpar care in a senior facility in Canada, it became clear that the issue wasn’t the people, but the overworked systems and lack of tools to support a truly enriching aging experience.

“I felt compelled to make a difference,” Ryan explains. “She told me to take advantage of the time you have now. That stuck with me.”

That message inspired him to leave finance, raise capital, and begin acquiring companies that could help him realize his vision. First came VoiceFriend, followed by the resident engagement arm of Caremerge—ultimately merged to create Go Icon, a dynamic, tech-driven platform for senior living.

What Smart Aging™ Really Means

Despite its name, Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ platform isn’t just about artificial intelligence—it’s about being intentional. It’s about using technology to enhance the lives of seniors and the staff who support them.

“We purposely didn’t include the term AI in the name,” Ryan explains. “It’s not about the tech. It’s about what we’re trying to achieve—helping senior living communities do more with less, in a thoughtful, intelligent way.”

Smart Aging™ focuses on:

• Automating time-consuming tasks like calendar building and interest tracking
• Providing data-driven insights for programming and wellness
• Enhancing the day-to-day experience through personalization and efficiency

For Karina, who worked in the field for years, it’s a welcome shift. “I remember the hours I spent doing things manually—pen and paper, guessing what residents might enjoy. This kind of support changes everything.”

Battling Misconceptions About Seniors and Tech

One of the biggest hurdles? The belief that seniors aren’t ready for app-based tools.

Ryan pushes back on that idea. “Many residents are already using smartphones and scrolling through photos of their grandkids. They can handle more than we give them credit for. They just need to be given the opportunity.”

The pandemic, Karina adds, helped push that forward. “Residents had to learn how to use technology to stay connected. It really shifted what’s possible.”

The Future of Senior Living is About Connection

Looking ahead, Ryan believes tech will transform senior living in two major ways:

At Home: Technology will allow older adults to stay home longer, making senior living less of a necessity and more of a choice.

In Community: The experience becomes the differentiator—social connection, wellness, and personalized care that technology can help scale and refine.

In a world where senior living is often misunderstood, Ryan praises recent television show, The Inside Man, which helped shift public perception from “nursing home” to “resort-style living.”

And that’s where Go Icon is headed—creating tools that support not just care, but meaningful experiences.

Unreasonable Hospitality and Micro-Moments

One concept that fuels Ryan’s vision is “unreasonable hospitality”—the idea that small, thoughtful gestures can completely transform someone’s day.

“It’s those micro-interactions,” he explains. “Knowing someone’s favorite cake is mint and having it ready for their birthday. Connecting two residents who never would’ve met otherwise. That’s what makes senior living special.”

Karina agrees. “Those tiny touches—that’s the magic.”

Building a Team That Builds the Future

Behind GoIcon is a passionate team of doers—people are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs within the company. Ryan emphasizes action, creativity, and mission-driven work as the keys to building a culture that can innovate quickly and meaningfully.

And yes, there are big things coming.

While he doesn’t spill too many details, Ryan teases new hospitality-inspired tools and deeper workflow automation features—all aimed at making communities run more smoothly and experiences feel more personal.

A Final Message to the Industry

If Ryan could change one thing about senior living? He’d encourage communities to move away from cookie-cutter experiences and instead focus on building identities at the community level.

“It’s about the people. What makes your community unique? Lean into that.”

And his hope for Smart Aging™ Podcast listeners?

“That one idea, one new perspective, sparks something in you. That spark of creativity can change everything.”

Listen to the full episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast to hear more of Ryan’s story 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.