The Future Is Now: How AI and Technology Are Transforming Senior Living
A LeadingAge New York Panel Recap
Technology and artificial intelligence are no longer distant ideas. They are actively reshaping life in senior living communities today. The true impact of these tools comes not from the technology itself, but from how it is used with intention, empathy, and alignment with the community’s values.
At the LeadingAge New York Conference, Go Icon and Peconic Landing, a leading Continuing Care Retirement Community in Long Island, highlighted how technology can enrich lives when it is driven by purpose and supported by everyone from leadership to residents. Communication and engagement tools like Go Icon not only simplify operations, they also foster real human connection when introduced with clear goals and genuine support.
Designing Technology with Purpose
One of the key insights from the session was that technology should be designed around the resident experience. Artificial intelligence, for example, can be used to personalize daily life by learning individual interests and suggesting activities or social opportunities that align with those preferences.
The success of any new tool depends on strong planning and meaningful involvement. Implementation requires more than installation; it calls for training, ongoing feedback, and most importantly, community buy-in. Residents and staff alike need to see the value, understand how to use the tools, and feel empowered to engage with them.
Support and accessibility also play a crucial role. Many older adults may not be familiar with new digital platforms, but with encouragement and the right educational resources, they can and do thrive. When used well, technology doesn’t take time away—it gives time back, freeing up staff to focus on the interactions that matter most.
Residents as Innovators: Dr. Jan’s Story
Dr. Jan Harting-McChesney, a retired professor and member at Peconic Landing, reminded the audience that residents are not passive users of technology. She emphasized the value of technology for maintaining communication, independence, and dignity.
“The myth that older adults won’t adopt technology is outdated. We just need a clear goal, the right tools, and support to get there,” championed Dr. Jan.
After Peconic Landing introduced Go Icon, many residents, even those who still used flip phones, began upgrading their devices and enrolling in digital classes. With guidance and peer-led tutorials, they became more confident and connected. Dr. Jan and her fellow residents now offer ongoing tech sessions to help others navigate the platform and discover what it can do for them.
How Peconic Landing Made It Work
Greg Garrett, Chief Operating Officer at Peconic Landing, shared how the community approached the rollout of Go Icon. They began with a focused strategy and a small pilot group. Residents were brought into the process from the very beginning, not just as users but as trainers and champions. The entire organization, across departments, committed to ensuring that the content on the platform was accurate, timely, and valuable.
The results were clear. Ninety-eight percent of residents registered for the platform. There are now more than 200 weekly logins, and resident engagement continues to grow as the community takes ownership of the experience. For Greg, the key to success was not just the tool itself, but the partnership behind it. A vendor who listens, adapts, and shares the mission of the community makes all the difference.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Tools
While communication and engagement platforms are vital, the panel also explored emerging technologies that have the potential to reshape care and connection. These include AI-powered fall detection systems, smart sensors in incontinence briefs, and voice-activated assistants that improve accessibility. Some communities are experimenting with immersive memory care rooms, robotic dining aides, and algorithms designed to connect residents with similar interests.
These tools can reduce physical strain on staff, inform clinical decisions, and create new opportunities for engagement and companionship. Rather than replacing human connection, they make it easier to foster it.
Leading with Intention and Heart
Innovation in senior living is not about having the flashiest new product. It is about thoughtful leadership, strong partnerships, and a commitment to putting residents at the center. Greg’s advice? “Don’t just launch it – live it. Partner with a vendor who listens, iterates, and truly supports your mission.”
Communities that start small and scale intentionally are more likely to see long-term success. Engaging residents from the beginning builds trust and momentum, and meaningful results are more likely to follow when everyone is invested in the outcome. Measuring impact also matters. While technology may reduce paperwork or improve efficiency, the most important indicators of success are often human: more participation, stronger relationships, and higher satisfaction.
Above all, technology should never be viewed as a substitute for connection. Its true value lies in its ability to support and enhance the relationships that define a vibrant senior living community.
A Human Future, Enabled by Technology
As senior living communities navigate staffing shortages and rising expectations, technology offers a way to do more without losing what matters most. When designed and implemented with care, AI and digital tools can give time back to staff and residents alike—to socialize, to connect, to live.
Ryan Galea, CEO of Go Icon, put it simply: “Technology should give people time back—to socialize, to connect, to live.” His words reflect a broader vision for the future of aging, one in which innovation and humanity are not at odds, but deeply intertwined.
The takeaway from this conversation is clear. Technology in senior living, when guided by empathy and intention, is not impersonal. It is deeply human. The future is not about convincing older adults to adapt to new tools. It is about building tools that adapt to them, elevate their voices, and support their desire to stay connected, independent, and engaged.