When I write “age-appropriate technology”, I don’t mean appropriate for children. I mean appropriate for people my age or older.

What Is Age-Appropriate Technology For Seniors?

My sister bought my mother an Echo Show one year. She thought it might make it easier for my mom to do video calls or call out for help if she needed it. It happened to arrive the day I arrived to stay with my mom for a few days. My sister asked me to set it up for her.

I was dubious. Actually, I was worse than dubious…I thought this was a stupid waste of counter space. My mother had a MacBook and plays duplicate bridge on-line and reads her e-mails. But if anything on her computer screen isn’t like it usually is, she’s a bit lost. So, I doubted she would be asking Alexa anything.

But I set it up anyway. These devices connect with a cell-phone. They pull in your Contacts information including items like birthdays and let you do video and regular calls by commanding Alexa to do so. While I was with my mom for the next few days, I demonstrated ways it could be used. “Alexa, how tall is the Statue of Liberty?” “Alexa, what’s a five-letter word meaning soapy?” “Alexa, call my daughter, Andie.” “Alexa, what time does Jeopardy come on?” “Alexa, how old is Judge Judy?” “Alexa, play Blue Moon by Frank Sinatra.”

A few things I noticed. First of all, this audio/visual device was relatively easy to set up and integrate with my mom’s cell phone. Second, Alexa is FAR better than Siri at understanding more nuanced questions. Third, and most importantly, my mom seemed to quickly see it was useful. After I returned home from my visit, I got a video call from my mom (she never calls me and this was a video call!). I was certain my sister was with her and had initiated the call for our mom. But no, she had done it by herself. I was still doubtful. I thought it would end up being a dust collector.

Going back to visit my mom about six months later, I realized that I was totally wrong. She asked Alexa what the weather was. She asked how long it takes to get to a local restaurant that I was taking her to. And a few other things. I was really impressed. The only other piece I wish I had done was order her Amazon unlimited music so she could request any song she wanted to listen to.

My Mom is Safe

I don’t know if my mom would think to ask Alexa to call my sister or brother-in-law if she fell and needed help. But it’s there if she ever did. I also remind her of that capability whenever I see her. I also asked her if it was okay if I gave myself permission to “drop in” to view her living room (which is where the device camera is pointed), if we ever had concerns about her not responding to calls. She said I could. Which allows me to see her living room and talk with her (if she’s there) to make sure she’s okay. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use that feature, but I’m glad to have it.

I’m not sure if all seniors would find the Echo Show as useful. But it’s on sale right now for $60 ,which seems like a pittance for the possibility that it might be useful. In fact, all Amazon devices are on sale right now at good prices.

Anyone else find technology that’s useful for themselves or other seniors?

Current Knitting

I didn’t make an enormous amount of progress on the latest Sweet Surrender Wrap, but I have to admit, I’m liking this one significantly more than the first one.

There are four more of each horizontal stripe sections that I need to make, so I’m a little less than half finished. I’m still very much enjoying this design.