10 Powerful Ways Alexa Can Improve the Lives of Seniors

(Editor’s note: This was a tough article to write. There’s lots to love about Alexa and similar devices. But there are some significant privacy concerns, too. Please read this one to the end to get the full story so you can decide if the benefits of Alexa are worth the potential privacy risks.)

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, for I have a tale to tell about a magical device that’s taking the world by storm. No, it’s not a flying broomstick or a talking mirror (although that would be pretty cool).

It’s a small, unassuming speaker with a big personality and an even bigger brain. I’m talking, of course, about Alexa.

What Is Alexa?

But what exactly is Alexa, you ask?

Well, imagine if Siri and Google had a love child, and that child was raised by a team of super-geniuses at Amazon. That’s Alexa in a nutshell.

It’s a virtual assistant that lives inside Amazon Echo devices and can do everything from playing your favorite tunes to ordering your groceries to telling you jokes that’d make your dad proud.

But here’s the thing: Alexa isn’t just a pretty voice. It’s a game-changer, especially for seniors who want to make their lives easier and more connected.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Alexa and explore 10 ways this little device can make life better for seniors.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to fall in love with Alexa. Once you see what it can do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without her.

And who knows, maybe you’ll even start calling her your new best friend (just don’t tell your human friends, they might get jealous).

Never Miss a Dose with Alexa’s Medication Reminders

Warning: Alexa’s medication reminders may cause sudden bursts of relief and a newfound sense of organization in your life. Side effects may include never missing a dose again!

That’s right. With an Alexa-enabled device, you can set medication reminders to make sure you stay on top of your prescriptions.

Just say, “Alexa, remind me to take my medication at [specific time].” It’s like having a personal nurse who doesn’t mind working 24/7.

And it gets even better! Some pharmacies, like Giant Eagle Pharmacy, let Alexa scan your prescriptions and set reminders automatically. They even allow you to request refills with a simple voice command, sparing you the hassle of making a phone call.

Even if your pharmacy doesn’t have a specific Alexa skill, you can still manage your medications manually. Just ask, “Alexa, manage my medications,” and she’ll help you set it all up.

You can also ask, “Alexa, what medication am I supposed to take right now?” or “Alexa, refill my prescriptions” when it’s time for more.

With Alexa, you’ll never miss a dose or run out of your important medications again.

Now, if only she could also remind you where you left your reading glasses…

Family Member Drop-Ins

Imagine you’re sipping your morning coffee when suddenly, your daughter’s face appears on the screen saying, “Hi Mom, just checking in!”

No, it’s not a sci-fi movie. It’s Alexa’s Drop-In feature bringing family right to your living room.

With the Alexa app on a device like an iPad or Echo Show, your family can “drop in” to see how you’re doing. This is especially great if you live alone and your kids live far away.

They can start a video call with just a tap or a voice command, and voilà! You’re connected. It’s like they just walked into the room without having to travel miles.

Even if you don’t have a video device, the Drop-In feature still works with voice calls. So, whether it’s a friendly chat or a quick visual check to ensure everything’s okay, Alexa helps keep your loved ones close, providing peace of mind and plenty of opportunities for impromptu family time.

Play Music or Audiobooks

In the mood for some groovy ’70s hits? Or perhaps you’d like to dive into the latest mystery novel?

Whatever media you’re in the mood for, finding what you’re looking for or reading tiny text can feel like a chore. Enter Alexa, your new audio concierge.

Simply say, “Hey Alexa, play ’70s hits,” and let the good times roll. You can also ask Alexa to play a specific playlist from your Spotify account or request a particular song from an artist. It’s like having your own DJ who never takes a break.

But wait, there’s more!

If you’re an audiobook fan, Alexa’s got you covered too. Just ask her to play your favorite audiobook, and she’ll start right where you left off.

Alexa integrates with Audible, so you can enjoy books and podcasts and even fall asleep to soothing sounds from Audible’s Sleep Collection.

This is a fantastic option for seniors who might have trouble reading due to vision or cognitive difficulties.

Connecting your Kindle or Audible account to Alexa is a breeze. If you’re using Kindle, your Amazon account syncs your books automatically.

So, whether you’re in the mood for music, stories, or a peaceful nap, Alexa makes it easy to enjoy your favorites hands-free.

Keep Your Home Safe with Alexa: Burglar Deterrent

Remember that iconic scene from the movie “Home Alone“? Kevin McCallister, our pint-sized hero, is left behind when his family jets off on vacation.

To protect his house from the bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, he stages a fake party using cardboard cutouts, mannequins, and strings. Kevin plays loud music, makes the cutouts dance by the windows, and even uses a train set to cast moving shadows on the curtains.

The burglars are totally fooled and decide to come back later, believing there’s a lively crowd inside.

Now, what if I told you that you could pull off a similar ruse without all the hassle?

You can use Burglar Deterrent on your Alexa device to make your home sound like a bustling hive of activity. This clever option plays real-life sounds like dogs barking, babies crying, or dishes clanking in the kitchen, making it seem like someone’s always home.

Just turn it on before you step out and potential intruders will think twice before approaching. It’s like having an invisible guard dog (or baby) protecting your home.

So go ahead, take that stroll, and let Alexa keep your home safe and sound.

Effortless Calling and Emergency Assistance

Forget fumbling with phone buttons or squinting at tiny screens – Alexa is here to make calling a breeze!

With just a simple voice command, you can have Alexa dial up your favorite caregiver, a family member, or a friend for a quick chat or to request assistance. No more playing phone tag or wondering if you hit the right speed dial number.

Emergency Calling

But Alexa’s calling capabilities go beyond just convenience. In case of an emergency, like taking a tumble and not being able to reach the phone, Alexa can be a literal lifeline.

Just shout “Alexa, call 911!” and she’ll spring into action, connecting you with emergency services faster than you can say “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

Video Call with the Grandkids

For those with an Amazon Echo Show, Alexa opens up a whole new world of face-to-face communication. Want to see your grandkids’ smiling faces or give a virtual tour of your new knitting project?

Just ask Alexa to start a video call, and you’ll be swapping stories and showing off your latest creations in no time.

So whether you need a quick assist from a caregiver, a friendly voice to chat with, or emergency help in a pinch, Alexa’s got your back.

With her as your phone operator, you’ll never have to worry about missed connections or unanswered calls again.

Stay Organized with Alexa: Making Lists

My wife is a list-o-maniac. List-ophile? Professor of Listology?

Not sure what the right term is, but the point is she loves making lists.

If you’re like her and thrive on reminders and to-do lists, Alexa is a game-changer.

Just say, “Alexa, add ‘call the doctor’ to my to-do list,” and she’ll keep track of it for you.

Need to know what’s on your agenda? Simply ask, “Alexa, what’s on my to-do list?” and she’ll read it out loud, so you never miss a task.

But that’s not all! Alexa also helps with grocery shopping.

Say, “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list,” and she’ll make sure it’s noted. When you’re at the store, just tell Alexa what you’ve picked up, and she’ll mark it off your list.

It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket, keeping you organized and on top of your day. So, forget about misplaced Post-it notes and enjoy the ease of Alexa’s list-making features.

Your Personal Weather Guru

Picture this: you’re gearing up for a big weekend, maybe a family barbecue or a leisurely round of golf, but you’re not sure if the weather will cooperate.

Do you risk it and hope for the best, or do you play it safe and stay inside with a crossword puzzle? Fear not, dear reader, because Alexa is here to save the day (and your outdoor plans)!

Just sidle up to your trusty Echo device and say, “Alexa, what’s the weather like in my area this weekend?“

Faster than you can say “partly cloudy with a chance of bingo,” Alexa will give you the full scoop on what Mother Nature has in store. She’ll dish out the forecast like a seasoned meteorologist, minus the fancy green screen and the bad puns.

But what if you need more than just the basics? No sweat! Alexa’s got you covered. Want to know the wind speed for your kite-flying adventure? Just ask!

Curious about the chances of rain for your afternoon stroll? Alexa will give it to you straight.

With her help, you’ll be the most informed person on the block when it comes to all things weather-related.

Alexa Brings Captions to Life on Echo Show

For seniors who rely on captioning services, the Amazon Echo Show is like a magic window that not only displays photos and news but also transforms into a captioning powerhouse.

With its vibrant, colorful screen, this smart device makes it easier than ever to follow along with your favorite TV shows, podcasts, and more.

To unlock the captioning magic, simply navigate to the Settings menu and click on Accessibility.

From there, choose the type of captioning that suits your needs best. Whether it’s closed captioning for those hard-of-hearing moments or Alexa captioning for when you want to read along with her soothing voice.

But the real game-changer? Alexa can even caption your phone calls! That’s right, no more straining to understand what your great-nephew is saying about his latest TikTok dance craze. With Alexa’s call captioning, you’ll never miss a word (even if you might want to).

So go ahead, fire up your Echo Show and let Alexa be your captioning companion. With her help, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite content without ever missing a beat.

Never Miss a Beat with Alexa’s Alarms

Let’s face it, as we get older, it’s easier to lose track of time and forget about important appointments or tasks. But fear not, because Alexa is here to save the day (and your schedule) with her handy alarm-setting skills.

First things first, let’s talk about how to set up these alarms. To do this, open up the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, tap the “More” menu, and then click on “Reminders and Alarms.” From there, just hit the “+” sign to create a new alarm. Easy peasy, right?

But what if you’re more of a voice command kind of person? No problem!

Just say, “Alexa, set an alarm for [insert time here],” and she’ll do the rest. It’s like having a personal assistant, but without the hefty salary.

Now, here’s where the real magic happens. You can use these alarms for all sorts of things – medication reminders, appointments, or even just a gentle nudge to get up and stretch your legs.

And if you have a recurring event, like a weekly bridge game or a daily pill regimen, Alexa can handle that too. Just tell her to set a repeating alarm, and she’ll make sure you never miss a beat.

So go ahead and give Alexa’s alarms a try. With her help, you’ll be the most punctual person on the block – no more missed appointments or forgotten pills.

Plus, think of all the free time you’ll have now that you’re not constantly checking your watch or calendar. Maybe you can finally take up that watercolor class you’ve been eyeing!

Your Grocery Shopping BFF

We already covered how you can use Alexa to create a grocery list. But wait, there’s more!

When you’re ready to brave the grocery store, you don’t have to fumble through your pockets for that crumpled list. Simply ask Alexa to read your list out loud, and she’ll guide you through the aisles like a trusty navigator. No more wandering aimlessly, trying to remember if you needed butter or margarine.

Now, here’s the real kicker:

If you’re feeling extra lazy (no judgment here), you can skip the store altogether. Just tell Alexa to add your list of items to your Amazon Fresh cart, and before you know it, your groceries will be delivered right to your doorstep.

It’s like having a personal grocery genie, minus the magic lamp.

Alexa’s AI Upgrade: A Privacy Pandora’s Box?

As great as all that sounds, we can’t talk about Alexa without touching on privacy.

As Alexa gets smarter and chattier with its new generative AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is basically when computers get smart—really smart. Imagine if your c... More capabilities, some folks are wondering if this digital companion might be a bit too nosy for comfort.

Sure, it’s great to have a virtual assistant that can carry on a conversation and help you out around the house, but at what cost?

Sharing Your Data With Advertisers

According to some university researchers, Alexa and her third-party pals might be collecting data from your interactions and sharing it with as many as 41 advertising partners.

That’s right, while you’re asking Alexa to play your favorite tunes or add milk to your shopping list, she might be taking notes and dishing the dirt to her marketing buddies.

Always Listening?

And let’s not forget about Alexa’s always-on microphone. She’s constantly listening for her wake word, which means she might be privy to more than just your requests for weather updates and corny jokes.

In fact, she’s been known to pipe up even when she hears her name on the TV or in a video. Talk about an eavesdropping roommate!

Now, with Alexa’s recent AI upgrade, she’ll be able to continue chatting with you without even hearing her wake word. While this might make for a more natural conversation, it also means she could be listening to your entire discussion about last night’s date or your secret recipe for meatloaf.

A Privacy Nightmare?

And if that info falls into the wrong hands? Well, let’s just say it could be a privacy nightmare.

As Preston So, author of “Voice Content and Usability,” warns:

“While Amazon has robust security practices, vulnerabilities are always possible, and therefore there’s always a chance that personally identifiable information such as passwords, PIN numbers, social security numbers, medical information, or other personal data benignly transmitted through Alexa ends up in the hands of nefarious actors.“

So, what’s a concerned Alexa user to do? Some, like So himself, opt to keep their homes free of smart speakers and listening devices altogether.

Others might choose to banish Alexa to a room where private conversations are less likely to happen, like a home office or a garage (just don’t tell her she’s been demoted to the realm of dusty boxes and old paint cans).

Risk vs. Reward: The Decision Is Yours

Despite the privacy risks, let’s not forget the genuine benefits Alexa can offer seniors.

With features like medication reminders, emergency assistance, and voice-controlled smart home devices, this virtual companion can be a game-changer for those with mobility issues or visual impairments.

Plus, Alexa’s AI-powered conversation skills can provide a much-needed dose of companionship for seniors feeling isolated or lonely.

At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual to weigh the benefits of having a virtual assistant against the potential privacy risks.

Bottom line here: the choice to invite Alexa into your home is a personal one. There’s no right or wrong answer, but by staying informed, you can make the decision that’s best for you or your loved ones.

Alexa can be a helpful companion, but it’s essential to go in with your eyes wide open and take steps to protect your privacy in a way that feels comfortable to you.