Top 15 Tips For Alexa Pop for Older Adults

While Older Adults love Alexa and their Echo device, many still under utilize the ways Alexa can help them in their daily lives. This my top 15 list to use Alexa to meaningfully impact your daily lives.

1. Create routines for daily activities.

Take advantage of Alexa’s routines feature to create customized routines that trigger specific responses or actions. For example, you can set up a routine where Alexa greets your senior loved ones with a personalized message in the morning, followed by a weather update and a reminder for their daily medication.

2. Urgent Response. 

Seniors have 24/7 access to an emergency helpline with just a simple voice command. In case of an emergency, they can say, “Alexa, call for help,” and immediately connect with a trained professional who can coordinate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance services. Not only that, but with an Alexa Together subscription, Alexa also proactively notifies the designated caregiver, keeping them informed and involved throughout the emergency situation. Seniors can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a voice command away and that their caregiver will be notified immediately.

3. Utilize the “Drop In” feature.

The “Drop In” feature enables real-time communication with seniors at the touch of a button. It provides a convenient way for family members or caregivers to check on their well-being, offer assistance, or simply engage in a friendly conversation. For seniors who may experience social isolation or limited mobility, the “Drop In” feature can be a lifeline. It helps bridge the distance and provides an avenue for regular social interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of connectedness.

4. Set up reminders and timers.

Seniors can use Alexa to set reminders for anything from watering the plants to taking medications at specific times or intervals. For recurring tasks such as exercising, taking vitamins, or completing household chores, Alexa can provide helpful prompts to stay organized. By simply saying, “Alexa, set a reminder for my medication at 9 a.m.,” Alexa will prompt them at the designated time, ensuring they never miss an important dose. Or for specific appointments, they can say, “Alexa, remind me about my doctor’s appointment tomorrow at 3 p.m.,” to ensure that they receive timely reminders to get ready so they can arrive on time.

5. Access audiobooks and podcasts.

Accessing audiobooks and podcasts through Alexa opens up a world of entertainment, learning, and relaxation for seniors. With services like Audible and Spotify, seniors can explore a vast library of audiobooks, educational podcasts, and engaging content. Introducing seniors to these resources can enrich their lives in numerous ways.

6. Use voice calling and messaging.

Voice calling and messaging eliminate the need for seniors to physically dial numbers or type out messages. They can simply use voice commands to initiate calls or send messages, making communication effortless and accessible. For seniors with compatible Alexa devices, voice-controlled video calling adds an additional layer of connection. They can see their loved ones on the screen and engage in face-to-face conversations, fostering a sense of closeness and reducing feelings of social isolation.

7. Connect to music streaming services.

Connecting music streaming services to Alexa opens up a world of music for seniors, providing a delightful and immersive audio experience. By linking services like Amazon Music, Spotify, or Pandora, seniors can effortlessly enjoy their favorite songs, artists, or genres with a simple voice command. 

8. Incorporate personal stories or memories.

Share personal stories or memories with Alexa that are important to your aging loved one. This can be done through various Alexa “skills” or by utilizing the memory storage feature available on some Alexa devices. Alexa can then recall and share those stories upon request, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming experience. You can also ask Alexa to remember in its "Notes" where you put stuff (e.g. keys, important documents). Because you might forget later !

9. Explore weather and news updates.

Alexa empowers seniors to stay informed, connected, and up-to-date with the latest information. By asking Alexa for weather forecasts, news updates, or personalized flash briefings, seniors can access valuable insights and stay connected to the world around them. Seniors can customize their flash briefings to receive news updates, weather forecasts, and other relevant information based on their specific interests. They can choose from a variety of news sources and customize the content they want to hear. For example, seniors can add sources that cover topics like health, technology, or hobbies and sports teams they are interested in, ensuring they receive updates that are most relevant to them.

10. Enjoy interactive games and quizzes.

Seniors can enjoy a world of interactive games, puzzles, and quizzes with Alexa, offering them both mental stimulation and entertainment. Alexa’s library of interactive games provides a fun and engaging way for seniors to challenge their minds, learn new things, and enjoy quality leisure time. Options include brain teasers, trivia, word games, educational quizzes, mysteries, card games, and even multi-player games.

11. Access to Amazon shopping and services.

Seniors gain seamless access to a wide range of shopping and services through their Amazon account, simplifying their everyday errands and making the shopping process more convenient than ever (e.g. Amazon Fresh). Through Alexa’s voice commands, seniors can effortlessly order groceries, household items, and other essentials without the need to navigate websites or use complex interfaces. It simplifies the shopping process, making it more accessible and convenient.

12. Set up emergency contact information.

Setting up emergency contact information in Alexa’s contacts list is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors. By programming emergency contacts, seniors gain the assurance that they can call for help with a simple voice command in case of any urgent situation.

13. Discover hobbies and interests.

Visit the Alexa Hub through the Alexa App or on your laptop through the Amazon website. There are a universe "Skills" (voice-based applications for Alexa on your Echo Pop) that go beyond providing basic assistance and extends its support to help seniors explore and pursue their hobbies and interests. Whether seniors have a passion for gardening, crafting, or music, Alexa offers a wealth of resources and features to cater to their specific pursuits. Show your seniors how to use Alexa to explore their hobbies or interests, such as gardening tips, craft ideas, or music trivia.

14. Use Alexa for relaxation and mindfulness.

Use the skills or guided meditation apps to help seniors practice relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises. You can play nature sounds, follow breathing exercises, learn healthy eating tips, follow a progressive muscle relaxation guide, and more. These tools help promote stress reduction and well-being.

15. Amazon Together subscription services.

For those interested in paying the monthly subscription fee, Amazon Together offers several helpful services for seniors and their caregivers, including:

• Fall Detection Response – Alexa can use its camera to detect a fall and then calls Urgent Response. The senior’s emergency contact will also be notified immediately. 

• Remote Assist – For seniors that need additional help using their Alexa device, family members can manage the device for them from afar. Caregivers can set reminders, manage shopping lists, link music services, and more.

• Circle of Support – Several people can all link into the device so more than one caregiver can offer support to your senior loved one. 

• Activity Feed – This activity feed lets you see what time your senior has interacted with their Alexa, giving you the peace and reassurance that they are up and moving for the day. 

• Photo Sharing – You and others in your circle of support can share memories directly to your loved one’s device and the photos will automatically display on their device.

This particular service to help the elderly comes with a monthly subscription fee, but these features can enhance seniors’ safety and foster connectivity, engagement, and meaningful moments with loved ones.