August 1, 2025 • 13 mins
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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!
Thanks for listening!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory
podcast, your go-to resource forliving 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 theway we age in place
voice-activated technology.
Whether you're a techenthusiast or a self-proclaimed
(00:21):
not-so-techie type, stick withme, 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 whydo so many of us want to age in
place?
Well, it's simple Home is wherethe heart is.
It's where we feel comfortable,independent and surrounded by
(00:42):
memories.
But as we age, some daily tasksbecome more challenging.
That's where technology stepsin, not to replace us, but to
empower us.
Today, we're focusing onvoice-activated technology.
Think Amazon Alexa, googleAssistant, Apple's Siri and more
(01:02):
.
These devices are no longerjust for the young or tech savvy
.
In fact, according to recentstudies, adults over the age of
50 are adopting smart technologyat nearly the same rates as
younger generations.
So what makes voice-activatedtechnology such a game changer
for aging in place?
Well, let's find out.
(01:23):
Imagine this You're sittingcomfortably in your favorite
chair and you realize you leftthe kitchen lights on.
Instead of getting up.
You simply say Alexa, turn offthe kitchen lights and voila,
the lights go out.
Voice-activated technologyrefers to devices and systems
that respond to spoken commands.
(01:45):
They use voice recognition,speech synthesis and natural
language processing to carry outtasks like answering questions
such as what's the weather today, controlling smart home devices
like lights, thermostats andlocks.
Devices like lights,thermostats and locks.
(02:07):
Making phone calls or sendingmessages, setting reminders and
alarms, playing music, audiobooks or radio stations,
providing news, weather andtraffic updates.
These devices are alwayslistening for a wake word like
hey, google or Alexa, makingthem hands-free and accessible
even for those with limitedmobility or vision.
(02:27):
So why does voice-activatedtech matter for seniors?
Well, let's get real.
Aging in place isn't just aboutstaying put.
It's about staying safe andconnected and independent.
Voice-activated technologysupports all three.
First, there's safety andsecurity, and I'm talking
(02:48):
emergency assistance.
Many devices can call for helpwith a simple voice command.
Services like Alexa Togetherturn a regular Echo device into
a medical alert system, so helpis always just a shout away.
And there's fall prevention nomore stumbling around in the
dark to find a light switch.
(03:09):
Just say Alexa, turn on thelights or hey, google, turn on
the lights, and you're good togo.
How about smart locks?
Did you forget to lock yourdoor?
That's okay.
Ask your device to lock it foryou.
There's no need to double-checkit manually.
And what about health andwellness?
Well, there's medicationreminders.
(03:31):
You can set up reminders formedications, hydration, exercise
, and there's no more misseddoses or appointments.
There's also social connectionMake calls, send texts or even
initiate video chats with familyand friends.
No fiddling with buttons orscreens In telehealth.
(03:52):
You can use voice commands toschedule virtual doctor visits
or connect with healthcareproviders, making healthcare
more accessible.
And with entertainment, you canlisten to music, audiobooks or
play trivia games to keep yourmind sharp and your spirits high
.
There's also daily convenience,such as managing schedules.
Ask your device for your dailycalendar, set reminders for
(04:16):
birthdays or keep track ofgrocery lists, and you can
access information, get the news, weather or traffic updates
instantly, no reading required.
So getting started and choosingthe right device.
If you're ready to try avoice-activated tech, well,
here's a good guide, a quickguide.
(04:37):
So the device the Amazon Echoor Alexa has a wide range of
skills and integrates with manydevices.
The Google Nest, or GoogleAssistant, is seamless with
Google services and has strongvoice recognition.
There's the Apple HomePod,which is Siri, integrates with
(04:59):
the Apple ecosystem, and thereare specialized devices like
LifePod and AskMyBuddy that aredesigned for seniors.
What should you consider?
Well, compatibility Does itwork with your smartphone or
existing smart home device andease of use.
Can you customize the wake word?
(05:19):
Is the volume adjustable andyou want privacy?
Customize the wake word.
Is the volume adjustable andyou want privacy?
All devices listen for commands, so check the privacy settings
and mute options.
If you're concerned and youwant a device that offers
support, is there a helpline ora community forum for
troubleshooting?
So how about setting up forsuccess?
(05:40):
With a step-by-step guide?
Let's walk through setting up avoice assistant for aging in
place.
So the first thing to consideris placement.
Put the device in a central,accessible spot like the living
room or the kitchen, make sureit's plugged in and connected to
(06:02):
Wi-Fi.
Next, you want to choose a wakeword that's easy to remember
and pronounce, adjust the volumefor your hearing needs and link
your contacts, calendars andsmart home devices, like light
switches or thermostats, to thenew device.
Then you want to set uproutines for different times of
the day, such as in the morning.
Maybe you want to get theweather report, a medication
(06:25):
reminder and have your dailycalendar read to you In the
afternoon.
You might want to set up ahydration reminder, or play
music or read an audiobook.
In the evening, you may want toknow about news headlines of
the day or a medication reminder.
Or you may want to start sleepsounds to help you sleep.
(06:45):
You want to use these apps tocreate custom reminders for
medications, appointments andeven birthdays.
So now, basic commands are supereasy.
All you do is say, for example,what is the weather today?
You have to start with the wakeword, so in essence, it would
(07:07):
be Siri, what's the wake?
What is the weather today?
Or Alexa, remind me to take mypill at 6pm.
Or Siri, call contact name,such as call mom or call your
daughter, whatever yourdaughter's name is.
Or Alexa, play jazz music.
(07:30):
Familiarity and using theproduct over and over will build
your confidence and reduce yourtext anxiety, so don't be
afraid to use it.
So let's explore some creativeand practical ways to use
voice-activated technology everyday.
First, there's home automation.
(07:50):
You can control your lights,your fan, your thermostats and
even your coffee maker with yourvoice, as long as it's
connected to this technology.
You can use smart plugs to makeolder appliances voice
controlled as well.
You can set up motion detectorsto turn the lights on if you
get up at night.
You can use video doorbells,like the Ring doorbell, to
(08:14):
screen visitors from anywhere inyour 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 orglucose readings by voice and
you can ask for dietary tips orhealth information.
There's entertainment andsocial engagement.
(08:37):
You can ask to listen to yourfavorite radio station or
podcasts, play games or quizzesto keep your mind sharp, and you
can even join virtual bookclubs and group calls.
And then there's also memorysupport.
You can store importantinformation such as where did I
put my keys, and you can getreminders for paying bills,
(08:58):
going to appointments or evenfor watering the plants.
So how about overcoming barriers?
Let's address some commonconcerns.
First is I'm not good withtechnology.
The good news is that voiceassistants are designed to be
intuitive.
If you can ask a question, youcan use voice assistants.
(09:20):
Plus, many devices offertutorials and customer support.
And what about privacy concerns?
Well, again, it's true.
These devices are alwayslistening for their wake word.
You can mute the microphonewhen it's not in use.
You can also review your voicehistory and you can adjust
privacy settings to your comfortlevel.
(09:42):
What about cost?
Well, basic smart speakers aresurprisingly affordable and you
don't need a house full ofgadgets to benefit.
Start small, one device canmake a big difference.
Now you do need a stable Wi-Ficonnection.
It's essential for running thistechnology.
If your internet is spotty, youmight consider upgrading it or
(10:04):
using a mobile hotspot.
So voice-activated technology isevolving rapidly.
Here's what's on the horizon.
Voice assistants are gettingbetter at understanding context
and following conversations, soyou'll have more natural
conversations.
You can expect more featuresfor monitoring vital signs and
(10:26):
integrating with health devicesand connecting with health care
professionals.
On the horizon, devices willadapt to your routines,
preferences and even your senseof humor for a more personalized
experience.
And how about communityfeatures?
Imagine joining virtual seniorcenters, group exercise classes
(10:46):
or hobby groups, all by voicecommand.
So embrace the change.
Aging in place is about morethan just staying at home.
It's about living well, stayingsafe and feeling connected.
Voice-activated technologyisn't just a gadget.
It's a partner in your journey.
It helps you manage your day,stay in touch and maintain your
(11:09):
independence.
So, whether you're a senior, acaregiver or just someone who
loves a good shortcut.
Give voice-activated tech a try.
You might be surprised at howmuch it can do for you and how
easy it is to use.
So that's all for today'sepisode of Aging in Place
Directory Podcast.
If you enjoyed this deep diveinto voice-activated technology,
(11:31):
don't forget to subscribe,share the episode, and if you
have questions or stories aboutyour own experiences with smart
tech, we'd love to hear from you.
Until next time, let your homelisten as you keep talking.
Thanks for joining us andremember the future is just a
voice command away.
Until next time.
(11:52):
Thanks for listening.
Take care Bye.
Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory
podcast, your go-to resource forliving 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 theway we age in place
voice-activated technology.
Whether you're a techenthusiast or a self-proclaimed
(00:21):
not-so-techie type, stick withme, 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 whydo so many of us want to age in
place?
Well, it's simple Home is wherethe heart is.
It's where we feel comfortable,independent and surrounded by
(00:42):
memories.
But as we age, some daily tasksbecome more challenging.
That's where technology stepsin, not to replace us, but to
empower us.
Today, we're focusing onvoice-activated technology.
Think Amazon Alexa, googleAssistant, Apple's Siri and more
(01:02):
.
These devices are no longerjust for the young or tech savvy
.
In fact, according to recentstudies, adults over the age of
50 are adopting smart technologyat nearly the same rates as
younger generations.
So what makes voice-activatedtechnology such a game changer
for aging in place?
Well, let's find out.
(01:23):
Imagine this You're sittingcomfortably in your favorite
chair and you realize you leftthe kitchen lights on.
Instead of getting up.
You simply say Alexa, turn offthe kitchen lights and voila,
the lights go out.
Voice-activated technologyrefers to devices and systems
that respond to spoken commands.
(01:45):
They use voice recognition,speech synthesis and natural
language processing to carry outtasks like answering questions
such as what's the weather today, controlling smart home devices
like lights, thermostats andlocks.
Devices like lights,thermostats and locks.
(02:07):
Making phone calls or sendingmessages, setting reminders and
alarms, playing music, audiobooks or radio stations,
providing news, weather andtraffic updates.
These devices are alwayslistening for a wake word like
hey, google or Alexa, makingthem hands-free and accessible
even for those with limitedmobility or vision.
(02:27):
So why does voice-activatedtech matter for seniors?
Well, let's get real.
Aging in place isn't just aboutstaying put.
It's about staying safe andconnected and independent.
Voice-activated technologysupports all three.
First, there's safety andsecurity, and I'm talking
(02:48):
emergency assistance.
Many devices can call for helpwith a simple voice command.
Services like Alexa Togetherturn a regular Echo device into
a medical alert system, so helpis always just a shout away.
And there's fall prevention nomore stumbling around in the
dark to find a light switch.
(03:09):
Just say Alexa, turn on thelights or hey, google, turn on
the lights, and you're good togo.
How about smart locks?
Did you forget to lock yourdoor?
That's okay.
Ask your device to lock it foryou.
There's no need to double-checkit manually.
And what about health andwellness?
Well, there's medicationreminders.
(03:31):
You can set up reminders formedications, hydration, exercise
, and there's no more misseddoses or appointments.
There's also social connectionMake calls, send texts or even
initiate video chats with familyand friends.
No fiddling with buttons orscreens In telehealth.
(03:52):
You can use voice commands toschedule virtual doctor visits
or connect with healthcareproviders, making healthcare
more accessible.
And with entertainment, you canlisten to music, audiobooks or
play trivia games to keep yourmind sharp and your spirits high
.
There's also daily convenience,such as managing schedules.
Ask your device for your dailycalendar, set reminders for
(04:16):
birthdays or keep track ofgrocery lists, and you can
access information, get the news, weather or traffic updates
instantly, no reading required.
So getting started and choosingthe right device.
If you're ready to try avoice-activated tech, well,
here's a good guide, a quickguide.
(04:37):
So the device the Amazon Echoor Alexa has a wide range of
skills and integrates with manydevices.
The Google Nest, or GoogleAssistant, is seamless with
Google services and has strongvoice recognition.
There's the Apple HomePod,which is Siri, integrates with
(04:59):
the Apple ecosystem, and thereare specialized devices like
LifePod and AskMyBuddy that aredesigned for seniors.
What should you consider?
Well, compatibility Does itwork with your smartphone or
existing smart home device andease of use.
Can you customize the wake word?
(05:19):
Is the volume adjustable andyou want privacy?
Customize the wake word.
Is the volume adjustable andyou want privacy?
All devices listen for commands, so check the privacy settings
and mute options.
If you're concerned and youwant a device that offers
support, is there a helpline ora community forum for
troubleshooting?
So how about setting up forsuccess?
(05:40):
With a step-by-step guide?
Let's walk through setting up avoice assistant for aging in
place.
So the first thing to consideris placement.
Put the device in a central,accessible spot like the living
room or the kitchen, make sureit's plugged in and connected to
(06:02):
Wi-Fi.
Next, you want to choose a wakeword that's easy to remember
and pronounce, adjust the volumefor your hearing needs and link
your contacts, calendars andsmart home devices, like light
switches or thermostats, to thenew device.
Then you want to set uproutines for different times of
the day, such as in the morning.
Maybe you want to get theweather report, a medication
(06:25):
reminder and have your dailycalendar read to you In the
afternoon.
You might want to set up ahydration reminder, or play
music or read an audiobook.
In the evening, you may want toknow about news headlines of
the day or a medication reminder.
Or you may want to start sleepsounds to help you sleep.
(06:45):
You want to use these apps tocreate custom reminders for
medications, appointments andeven birthdays.
So now, basic commands are supereasy.
All you do is say, for example,what is the weather today?
You have to start with the wakeword, so in essence, it would
(07:07):
be Siri, what's the wake?
What is the weather today?
Or Alexa, remind me to take mypill at 6pm.
Or Siri, call contact name,such as call mom or call your
daughter, whatever yourdaughter's name is.
Or Alexa, play jazz music.
(07:30):
Familiarity and using theproduct over and over will build
your confidence and reduce yourtext anxiety, so don't be
afraid to use it.
So let's explore some creativeand practical ways to use
voice-activated technology everyday.
First, there's home automation.
(07:50):
You can control your lights,your fan, your thermostats and
even your coffee maker with yourvoice, as long as it's
connected to this technology.
You can use smart plugs to makeolder appliances voice
controlled as well.
You can set up motion detectorsto turn the lights on if you
get up at night.
You can use video doorbells,like the Ring doorbell, to
(08:14):
screen visitors from anywhere inyour 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 orglucose readings by voice and
you can ask for dietary tips orhealth information.
There's entertainment andsocial engagement.
(08:37):
You can ask to listen to yourfavorite radio station or
podcasts, play games or quizzesto keep your mind sharp, and you
can even join virtual bookclubs and group calls.
And then there's also memorysupport.
You can store importantinformation such as where did I
put my keys, and you can getreminders for paying bills,
(08:58):
going to appointments or evenfor watering the plants.
So how about overcoming barriers?
Let's address some commonconcerns.
First is I'm not good withtechnology.
The good news is that voiceassistants are designed to be
intuitive.
If you can ask a question, youcan use voice assistants.
(09:20):
Plus, many devices offertutorials and customer support.
And what about privacy concerns?
Well, again, it's true.
These devices are alwayslistening for their wake word.
You can mute the microphonewhen it's not in use.
You can also review your voicehistory and you can adjust
privacy settings to your comfortlevel.
(09:42):
What about cost?
Well, basic smart speakers aresurprisingly affordable and you
don't need a house full ofgadgets to benefit.
Start small, one device canmake a big difference.
Now you do need a stable Wi-Ficonnection.
It's essential for running thistechnology.
If your internet is spotty, youmight consider upgrading it or
(10:04):
using a mobile hotspot.
So voice-activated technology isevolving rapidly.
Here's what's on the horizon.
Voice assistants are gettingbetter at understanding context
and following conversations, soyou'll have more natural
conversations.
You can expect more featuresfor monitoring vital signs and
(10:26):
integrating with health devicesand connecting with health care
professionals.
On the horizon, devices willadapt to your routines,
preferences and even your senseof humor for a more personalized
experience.
And how about communityfeatures?
Imagine joining virtual seniorcenters, group exercise classes
(10:46):
or hobby groups, all by voicecommand.
So embrace the change.
Aging in place is about morethan just staying at home.
It's about living well, stayingsafe and feeling connected.
Voice-activated technologyisn't just a gadget.
It's a partner in your journey.
It helps you manage your day,stay in touch and maintain your
(11:09):
independence.
So, whether you're a senior, acaregiver or just someone who
loves a good shortcut.
Give voice-activated tech a try.
You might be surprised at howmuch it can do for you and how
easy it is to use.
So that's all for today'sepisode of Aging in Place
Directory Podcast.
If you enjoyed this deep diveinto voice-activated technology,
(11:31):
don't forget to subscribe,share the episode, and if you
have questions or stories aboutyour own experiences with smart
tech, we'd love to hear from you.
Until next time, let your homelisten as you keep talking.
Thanks for joining us andremember the future is just a
voice command away.
Until next time.
(11:52):
Thanks for listening.
Take care Bye.
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