How Smart Speakers Can Help the Elderly

If you are or know an older adult who lives alone, consider getting a smart speaker like Google Nest Mini. Sure, the tech can be confusing if you aren’t used to it, but once it’s set up, the convenience is *chef’s kiss*.

There are so many ways that you can benefit from a smart speaker. Smart assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can address potential challenges like loss of mobility, dexterity, or memory.

Even if you aren’t experiencing those issues, it can be nice to have the help and the company if you're on your own.

Most smart speakers make hands-free communication super easy. You don’t have to find your phone or look up someone’s number. It’s as simple as asking the voice assistant to place a call.

Some smart speakers require third-party apps to place phone calls or send text messages.

A smart speaker can also act as a smart hub. You can use it to control multiple smart products with just your voice.

Just by speaking, you can turn the lights off when you’re in bed, turn on the TV, make coffee, unlock the door for a visitor, and start the shower. All you need is the right smart technology.

You can also set your entire system on a specific schedule using a Google Home routine or a service like IFTTT.

If you’re tired of switching between multiple remotes, you can get a smart TV and control it through your speaker. It’s an easy way to change channels, switch between inputs, and turn the television on and off.

You can also play music through your smart speaker. Tune in to a radio station or, if you don’t like what’s playing, use a service like Spotify or YouTube Music to listen to precisely what you want.

Last but not least, many smart speakers will play games with you, tell you riddles or jokes, or even sing.

If you need to go somewhere but can’t or don’t want to drive, use your smart speaker to order an Uber or a Lyft. Or, if you don’t want to spend the money, ask your voice assistant to call a friend or family member who might give you a ride.

Depending on which smart speaker you choose, you can order groceries and even takeout just by using your voice. It’s a convenient alternative to leaving the house to get food.

If you have an Echo, you can even order from Amazon. (Alexa will send you a notification when the packages arrive.)

If you haven’t used a smart speaker or a smart home before, setup can be confusing. You may want help setting up your smart speaker and learning how to use it. Same goes for any other smart devices you put in your home to complement the speaker.

Some speakers also require specific wording. You need to learn and practice specific phrases to get the results you want⁠—the AI isn’t that smart.

Older adults may especially benefit from smart speaker features. At the very least, they’re nice to have around. You just might need help to get yours going if you’ve never used one before.