What The Tech: Alexa for Senior Citizens
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
If you have a parent or grandparent who lives alone, you probably worry about them more than they’d like to admit.
Did they remember to take their medication? What happens if they fall? Will they hear the phone if you call? Could they get help if they needed it?
Many families already have a device in the home that can help with all of those concerns: an Amazon Echo.
Most of us use Alexa to play music, set kitchen timers, answer trivia questions, or check the weather. But Echo devices include several features that can make life easier and safer for seniors who want to remain independent.
Medication and appointment reminders
One of the simplest and most useful features is reminders.
A senior can simply say:
“Alexa, remind me every morning at 8 a.m. to take my blood pressure medicine.”
Alexa can also remind them about doctor appointments, birthdays, exercise, or even when it’s time to drink more water. It’s an easy way to create routines without having to remember everything.
Call family without picking up a phone
If someone can’t find their phone or has trouble reaching it, Alexa can place calls using only a voice command.
For example:
“Alexa, call my daughter.”
There’s no searching through contacts or dialing numbers. If someone has fallen but is still able to speak, being able to call a loved one hands-free could make a big difference.
Check in with Drop In
Amazon’s Drop In feature lets approved family members instantly connect to another Echo device. Instead of waiting for someone to answer a phone, you can quickly check in to make sure Mom or Dad is doing okay. It’s especially helpful if they’re in another room or don’t hear the phone ringing.
Because Drop In only works with contacts you’ve approved, families remain in control of who can connect.
Find a misplaced phone
We’ve all done it.
You set your phone down somewhere and can’t remember where.
Just ask:
“Alexa, find my phone.”
Alexa can ring your phone, helping you find it without tearing the house apart.
Turn on lights with your voice
One of my favorite uses for Alexa is pairing it with smart light bulbs.
Imagine getting out of bed in the middle of the night without having to walk through a dark hallway.
Simply say:
“Alexa, turn on the hallway light.”
For seniors, better lighting can help reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Emergency help when it’s needed
Alexa won’t call 911 by default.
However, Amazon offers a subscription service called Alexa Emergency Assist. With it, someone can say:
“Alexa, call for help.”
Alexa connects them to a live emergency response agent while also notifying designated emergency contacts.
Even without that subscription, Alexa can still call family members by voice, providing another way to reach someone during an emergency if the person is able to speak.
Caregiving features for families
Amazon also offers caregiving features that allow family members to receive notifications when a loved one first interacts with Alexa each day. That simple “I’m awake” activity can provide peace of mind, especially for families who live in another city or state.
You probably don’t need a new Echo
One of the best things about these features is that they work on almost every Echo device Amazon has sold, including many that are close to a decade old.
If you have an older Echo tucked away in a drawer, consider giving it a new purpose. Place one in the bedroom, another in the kitchen, or wherever it’s most useful.
Many of the settings can also be configured by a family member using the Alexa app, making setup easy for seniors who aren’t comfortable with technology.
Technology can’t replace family, neighbors, or regular check-ins. But an Echo speaker can become another layer of support.
