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Aging In Place Directory
Are you or a loved one hoping to live independently at home for as long as possible?
The Aging In Place Directory podcast explores all aspects of aging in place - from home modifications and safety products, to caregiving tips and resources for older adults.
Host Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. shares insights from her training and experience as well as by interviewing experts on creating an environment that supports independent living as we age.
Each episode will discuss key topics like fall prevention, home modifications, tech products for older adults as well as adaptive equipment, resources and information for caregivers of seniors and much, much more.
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Let's all work together to make the home as safe as possible so that as we grow older we can live in them as long as possible.
Aging In Place Directory
#50 - When Your Home Listens: How Voice Tech Keeps Seniors Independent at Home
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Voice-activated technology is transforming aging in place by making homes safer, daily tasks easier, and life more enjoyable. Adults over 50 are adopting smart technology at nearly the same rates as younger generations, proving these devices aren't just for the tech-savvy.
Don't forget to subscribe, share the episode, and if you have questions or stories about your own experiences with smart tech, we'd love to hear from you. Until next time, let your home listen as you keep talking!
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Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, your go-to resource for living your best life at home, no matter your age. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today we're looking into a topic that's transforming the way we age in place voice-activated technology. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a self-proclaimed not-so-techie type, stick with me, because what you're about to hear could make your home safer, your days easier and your life a little more fun. Let's start with a question why do so many of us want to age in place? Well, it's simple Home is where the heart is. It's where we feel comfortable, independent and surrounded by memories. But as we age, some daily tasks become more challenging. That's where technology steps in, not to replace us, but to empower us. Today, we're focusing on voice-activated technology. Think Amazon Alexa, google Assistant, Apple's Siri and more. These devices are no longer just for the young or tech savvy. In fact, according to recent studies, adults over the age of 50 are adopting smart technology at nearly the same rates as younger generations. So what makes voice-activated technology such a game changer for aging in place? Well, let's find out. Imagine this You're sitting comfortably in your favorite chair and you realize you left the kitchen lights on. Instead of getting up. You simply say Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights and voila, the lights go out.
Speaker 1:Voice-activated technology refers to devices and systems that respond to spoken commands. They use voice recognition, speech synthesis and natural language processing to carry out tasks like answering questions such as what's the weather today, controlling smart home devices like lights, thermostats and locks. Devices like lights, thermostats and locks. Making phone calls or sending messages, setting reminders and alarms, playing music, audio books or radio stations, providing news, weather and traffic updates. These devices are always listening for a wake word like hey, google or Alexa, making them hands-free and accessible even for those with limited mobility or vision. So why does voice-activated tech matter for seniors? Well, let's get real.
Speaker 1:Aging in place isn't just about staying put. It's about staying safe and connected and independent. Voice-activated technology supports all three. First, there's safety and security, and I'm talking emergency assistance. Many devices can call for help with a simple voice command. Services like Alexa Together turn a regular Echo device into a medical alert system, so help is always just a shout away. And there's fall prevention no more stumbling around in the dark to find a light switch. Just say Alexa, turn on the lights or hey, google, turn on the lights, and you're good to go.
Speaker 1:How about smart locks? Did you forget to lock your door? That's okay. Ask your device to lock it for you. There's no need to double-check it manually.
Speaker 1:And what about health and wellness? Well, there's medication reminders. You can set up reminders for medications, hydration, exercise, and there's no more missed doses or appointments. There's also social connection Make calls, send texts or even initiate video chats with family and friends. No fiddling with buttons or screens In telehealth.
Speaker 1:You can use voice commands to schedule virtual doctor visits or connect with healthcare providers, making healthcare more accessible. And with entertainment, you can listen to music, audiobooks or play trivia games to keep your mind sharp and your spirits high. There's also daily convenience, such as managing schedules. Ask your device for your daily calendar, set reminders for birthdays or keep track of grocery lists, and you can access information, get the news, weather or traffic updates instantly, no reading required. So getting started and choosing the right device. If you're ready to try a voice-activated tech, well, here's a good guide, a quick guide. So the device the Amazon Echo or Alexa has a wide range of skills and integrates with many devices. The Google Nest, or Google Assistant, is seamless with Google services and has strong voice recognition. There's the Apple HomePod, which is Siri, integrates with the Apple ecosystem, and there are specialized devices like LifePod and AskMyBuddy that are designed for seniors.
Speaker 1:What should you consider? Well, compatibility Does it work with your smartphone or existing smart home device and ease of use. Can you customize the wake word? Is the volume adjustable and you want privacy? Customize the wake word. Is the volume adjustable and you want privacy? All devices listen for commands, so check the privacy settings and mute options. If you're concerned and you want a device that offers support, is there a helpline or a community forum for troubleshooting? So how about setting up for success? With a step-by-step guide? Let's walk through setting up a voice assistant for aging in place.
Speaker 1:So the first thing to consider is placement. Put the device in a central, accessible spot like the living room or the kitchen, make sure it's plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Next, you want to choose a wake word that's easy to remember and pronounce, adjust the volume for your hearing needs and link your contacts, calendars and smart home devices, like light switches or thermostats, to the new device. Then you want to set up routines for different times of the day, such as in the morning. Maybe you want to get the weather report, a medication reminder and have your daily calendar read to you In the afternoon. You might want to set up a hydration reminder, or play music or read an audiobook. In the evening, you may want to know about news headlines of the day or a medication reminder. Or you may want to start sleep sounds to help you sleep. You want to use these apps to create custom reminders for medications, appointments and even birthdays.
Speaker 1:So now, basic commands are super easy. All you do is say, for example, what is the weather today? You have to start with the wake word, so in essence, it would be Siri, what's the wake? What is the weather today? Or Alexa, remind me to take my pill at 6pm. Or Siri, call contact name, such as call mom or call your daughter, whatever your daughter's name is. Or Alexa, play jazz music. Familiarity and using the product over and over will build your confidence and reduce your text anxiety, so don't be afraid to use it.
Speaker 1:So let's explore some creative and practical ways to use voice-activated technology every day. First, there's home automation. You can control your lights, your fan, your thermostats and even your coffee maker with your voice, as long as it's connected to this technology. You can use smart plugs to make older appliances voice controlled as well. You can set up motion detectors to turn the lights on if you get up at night. You can use video doorbells, like the Ring doorbell, to screen visitors from anywhere in your home. Or if you're away from home, you can answer the doorbell and it sounds like you're at home. There's also health management. You can log blood pressure or glucose readings by voice and you can ask for dietary tips or health information. There's entertainment and social engagement. You can ask to listen to your favorite radio station or podcasts, play games or quizzes to keep your mind sharp, and you can even join virtual book clubs and group calls. And then there's also memory support. You can store important information such as where did I put my keys, and you can get reminders for paying bills, going to appointments or even for watering the plants.
Speaker 1:So how about overcoming barriers? Let's address some common concerns. First is I'm not good with technology. The good news is that voice assistants are designed to be intuitive. If you can ask a question, you can use voice assistants. Plus, many devices offer tutorials and customer support. And what about privacy concerns? Well, again, it's true. These devices are always listening for their wake word. You can mute the microphone when it's not in use. You can also review your voice history and you can adjust privacy settings to your comfort level.
Speaker 1:What about cost? Well, basic smart speakers are surprisingly affordable and you don't need a house full of gadgets to benefit. Start small, one device can make a big difference. Now you do need a stable Wi-Fi connection. It's essential for running this technology. If your internet is spotty, you might consider upgrading it or using a mobile hotspot.
Speaker 1:So voice-activated technology is evolving rapidly. Here's what's on the horizon. Voice assistants are getting better at understanding context and following conversations, so you'll have more natural conversations. You can expect more features for monitoring vital signs and integrating with health devices and connecting with health care professionals. On the horizon, devices will adapt to your routines, preferences and even your sense of humor for a more personalized experience. And how about community features? Imagine joining virtual senior centers, group exercise classes or hobby groups, all by voice command. So embrace the change.
Speaker 1:Aging in place is about more than just staying at home. It's about living well, staying safe and feeling connected. Voice-activated technology isn't just a gadget. It's a partner in your journey. It helps you manage your day, stay in touch and maintain your independence. So, whether you're a senior, a caregiver or just someone who loves a good shortcut. Give voice-activated tech a try. You might be surprised at how much it can do for you and how easy it is to use. So that's all for today's episode of Aging in Place Directory Podcast. If you enjoyed this deep dive into voice-activated technology, don't forget to subscribe, share the episode, and if you have questions or stories about your own experiences with smart tech, we'd love to hear from you. Until next time, let your home listen as you keep talking. Thanks for joining us and remember the future is just a voice command away. Until next time. Thanks for listening. Take care Bye.
