As the use of technology constantly increases, senior citizens can struggle to adapt and live comfortably alongside it. With many unable to use handheld devices due to mobility issues, vision problems, or the general complications that technology brings, it makes it harder for them to keep in touch with family and friends who live out of reach.

However, voice activated smart speakers help limit this issue, providing a hands-free way for seniors to keep in touch with the ones they love, while also making it easier for them to perform daily activities.

Here are some of the many ways that smart speakers provide support to seniors, making them the perfect purchase by or gift for an elderly relative or friend.

1. Smart Speakers Make Technology Simpler

Mobile Phone and Laptop

How many times have you tried to help your parents or grandparents set up their mobile phone or laptop? In most instances they will try to use it in the first week to make you happy, but then slowly decrease their usage as it can become too complicated for them to use independently.

This is why the humble smart speaker is the perfect device for seniors. Instead of trying to scroll through phones or type into a web browser, seniors are able to simply ask their smart speaker for information, and you don't have to spend the time making an Android device senior-friendly.

Whether it’s finding out the weather, trying to contact a friend, or even finding out the local news, the smart speaker is able to provide an answer in seconds rather than them wasting hours struggling to access that information another way. So, while also creating a more time efficient way to access information, the easy-to-use smart speaker helps create a stress-free environment.

2. Smart Speakers Can Help Create a Routine

Creating an Evening Routine Through the Alexa App

Another reason why smart speakers are perfect for seniors is because they help create a daily routine. While helping set up your elderly relative's smart speaker, you can pre-schedule actions together which are then activated with a single command.

For example, if you know your relative likes to watch television in the morning while they take their medication with a nice hot cup of tea, you can preset these tasks through the device's app, such as Google Home Amazon Alexa. By linking these actions with a simple command such as "Good morning," the smart speaker will turn on the television, start boiling the kettle, and announce a reminder to take medication (provided they have the additional components in the household).

The same thing can be done at night. Presetting actions on the app can turn off the television, switch off the lights, and set the thermostat to their preferred sleeping temperature all by saying goodnight to the device.

These two options provide an easier way for seniors to complete a number of daily tasks that they would usually do manually. Plus, these pre-scheduled routines make it easier for seniors as they only have to give one command for multiple tasks to be completed.

Other smaller ways seniors are able to get into routines are setting multiple alarms throughout the day to wake up, make their meals, and go to bed. Each alarm can be customized, so it is easier to identify what the alarm is for. These alarms also help manage their sleep schedule, helping to foster a potentially healthier lifestyle.

3. Smart Speakers Can Assist Seniors With Mobility Issues

A person in a wheelchair

Smart speakers such as the Google Nest and Amazon Echo can automate multiple tasks around the house, making it easier for seniors with mobility issues to live independently. As mobility issues make it difficult to move around without exerting a great deal of energy or even using a device such as a mobile phone or a laptop, smart speakers allow seniors to turn off lights they had forgotten to switch off, close the window shade, and search the web, all from the comfort of their lounge.

Another exciting feature these smart speakers provide is the ability to order or re-order products without needing a computer. Provided their details are already linked to the smart speaker, you can Ask Alexa to "re-order tea bags," for example. This helps seniors with mobility issues shop without having to strain their body from leaving the house, once again making it the perfect device to have in their household.

4. Smart Speakers' Voice Interfaces Can Help the Visually Impaired

hands touching musical notes
Image Credit: PopTika/Shutterstock

Voice controlled smart speakers are a great alternative to mobile devices for seniors or anyone who is visually impaired. As mentioned previously, smart speakers are hands-free devices which users can control with their voice. This creates a much easier situation for visually impaired users as they do not need to look at a screen and type to find out information. Their smart speaker will listen to them and respond promptly to their request.

As visually impaired individuals may no longer be able to adjust the stations on the radio or pick out their favorite CD or vinyl to listen to, smart speakers can provide what they are after. With streaming services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify, their smart speaker will be able to play current songs on the charts and even blasts from the pasts.

5. Smart Speakers Can Offer a Form of Companionship

Amazon Alexa Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Unfortunately, many seniors today spend their days alone due to physical restrictions, being widowed, or living too far away from their family. In any of these instances, a smart speaker is a great idea to help seniors have some form of companionship.

As smart speakers are created with their own personality, seniors are able to converse, play games, and sing songs with their devices. Even though they're not humans, the personalities of these smart speakers can help create a digital companion to keep seniors company.

Smart Speakers Fit Perfectly for Seniors

While most seniors do their best to adjust to the rapidly changing technological world, some find it a stressful experience. So now is the ideal time to get a smart speaker for an elderly family member or friend.

Smart speakers provide a hands-free way for seniors to set and adapt to morning and nighttime routines. With a single voice command, smart speakers can help seniors who are visually impaired, or individuals with mobility issues, as well as providing them with a companion to keep them company.