Alexa Uses for Seniors
As technology becomes more “human,” it becomes more accessible to seniors, which allows them to take advantage of tools that can support them in a variety of ways. A great example of this is the voice-activated tools like Alexa, Siri, or Google Home.
Yes, there is some complex technology behind Alexa and her friends, but using them is as simple as asking a question, something just about anyone can do. This makes Alexa an excellent helper for seniors.
Here are 10 ways seniors can use Alexa throughout the day.
1. Timers and Alarm
One of the easiest ways to get started with Alexa is using it as a timer or alarm.
“Alexa, remind me in 15 minutes to turn off the sprinklers.”
“Alexa, wake me up in one hour.”
2. Daily or Monthly Reminders
Alexa can also be used to set regular reminders, such as taking medication at a certain time, or feeding the cat.
Setting these up is as simple as saying:
“Alexa, remind me to take my heart medication at 3 pm every day.”
“Alexa, remind me to change my water filter on the first of every month.”
In addition to the spoken commands, Alexa has a phone app that can be used to set up recurring reminders, which is a great resource that a caretaker, or family member, can use to set up reminders remotely.
3. Calendar
Keeping up with appointments can create some anxiety for some seniors, especially those dealing with mild cognitive decline (MCI), so using Alexa to track appointments can be a huge help.
Just like daily reminders, setting up appointments can be done through a spoken command, or by syncing a calendar through the app.
The best part is she will never get annoyed, no matter how many times a person asks, “Alexa, when is my hair appointment?”
4. Checking the weather
No more fiddling with the phone, or trying to read the thermometer. Alexa can provide information on the current weather, chances of rain, humidity, UV index, or even when the sun will rise and set.
5. Playing music
People of all ages are using their smart devices to play music, and it’s a great option for seniors, as well. Alexa allows you to turn on music, or change what you’re listening to, without having to get up or fiddle with other devices.
6. Audio books
Many seniors love to read, but struggle with diminishing eyesight. That makes audio books a great option, and Alexa is happy to dole out stories. Alexa can pull up books from Audible, and is even able to read certain Kindle books aloud.
7. Check the news
Ask “Alexa, What’s in the news today?” and she’ll give a flash report of the latest headlines. But she also has the ability to dive deeper into a story, or check specific news sources, such as CNN or NPR.
8. Make phone calls
Alexa will keep track of personal contacts and their phone numbers, as well as find a business’s phone number online. This makes it easy for a senior to call (or text!) their grandchildren, as well as place a dinner order.
9. Get Groceries
Alexa is great at making lists, so it’s easy to call out, “Alexa, add eggs to my grocery list.” Then at the grocery store, the senior can use Alexa on their phone to read off the items on the list.
For those unable, or uninterested, to go to the store themselves, Alexa can add the items from the grocery list to Amazon Fresh, and set up a grocery delivery.
10. Emergency Use
Alexa can call 911, but she’s also designed to connect with Ask My Buddy in order to alert certain people that you need help.
Beyond that, Alexa Guard can:
Detect the sound of breaking glass to alert you of an intruder
Monitor the house and send an alert if a fire or burglar alarm sounds
Connect with certain security systems
Taking advantage of Alexa can be a huge help to seniors - and their family members. In fact, Amazon will soon be introducing Amazon Together, something they are hailing as a means to create a circle of support around seniors, while allowing them to keep their independence.
While the beauty of using Alexa is the simplicity of spoken commands, it does require some set up. Our daily money managers are happy to connect a senior with a vetted tech support service to help them learn to take advantage of these features and get things rolling.
While we specialize in helping seniors manage their personal finances, we make sure our clients get the help they need in all areas of their lives. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.