How Can AI Help My Senior Mom Communicate Better?
Voice-activated devices, smart hearing aids, and simple tech solutions can help elderly parents stay connected.
Little Miss AI is a recurring tech advice column. Have a question? Email us!
Image generated in Perplexity by Lisa Pierpont.
I am a working mom who also cares for an elderly parent with poor hearing who is very overwhelmed with: 1) using the computer/cell phone to get news information; 2) communicating via text and email; and 3) looking up topics of interest easily. Is there a way to use AI to ease elderly people into the tech world to make it more comfortable for them? (Those who are used to reading newspapers, watching traditional TV, and going to the bank teller to get cash.)
GKW, Newton
First: Congratulations on being a wonderful daughter. The fact that you are asking these types of questions already tells me that you are a thoughtful, loving, and forward-thinking caretaker. Having recently gone through this with my own mom, I know how wildly stressful (and sad) this time can be. She’s compromised physically, likely mentally, and that’s frustrating for everyone, but especially her. Artificial intelligence, though arguably problematic in some ways (job loss, bias, privacy), can be a savior for the elderly and their caretakers. The senses that are dimming can, in effect, be augmented—even replaced—by AI. With that in mind, let’s tackle your questions one by one.
How can she use AI to get news and information?
First, although this is an AI advice column, here are some human thoughts: This is the time of life when all that matters is that your mom is comfortable. If it’s easier for her to watch the news on an old-school TV at full volume, let her.
There, I said it.
For poor hearing, “smart” hearing aids are a thousand percent revolutionary. They use AI to analyze her sound environment, separating human speech from background noises. There’s also key voice-activated equipment that can help her access news and other information. Amazon Alexa, Google Nest Hub, and Apple’s Siri were created to work with natural language. Seniors don’t need to understand complicated technology—they can chat the way they would with a friend. These devices can share the day’s news and weather; look up information instantly; play favorite music and TV channels; and remind users about medications or appointments. Wendy Stevens, a Boston-based guerrilla AI marketing expert, suggests starting with two or three simple commands to build confidence. Alexa, tell me today’s headlines. Siri, play Frank Sinatra. When is my Social Security check arriving? You get the point.
Finally, ZVOX AccuVoice soundbars or Sereonic wireless portable TV speakers are good options to further amplify audio for easy listening.
If your mom’s hearing continues to decline, reach out to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association ProFind, which is the national credentialing resource for speech and hearing experts.
How can she use AI to communicate with family and friends?
Again, this is all about the “no-hands” approach. Find the right voice-activated device (Alexa, Siri, Google Nest) to assist. Alexa, call my daughter, Gwen. Hey Siri, email my doctor for an appointment. Then, she will dictate the message that she wants to send. It’s that simple.
Video calling is another awesome option. The ViewClix Smart Frame doubles as a digital picture frame, showcasing family photos, but can be set up to automatically answer calls from approved contacts. CallGenie can connect with your mom’s TV, and displays the video call on a large screen. And, there’s Komp, which is a large screen with a single on and off button. Family and friends can send images, messages, and calls in a private app.
For in-person socializing, many apps employ AI to instantly transcribe spoken conversation into text on smartphones. Hint: Increase the font size for even more accessibility.
How can I ease elderly people into the tech world?
If your mom is interested in learning, CyberSeniors.org is a fantastic resource for seniors. There are classes, help lines, and community groups devoted to helping the elderly learn about AI. In fact, every Thursday at 2 p,m., seniors can drop into a Zoom session to ask any tech-related question.
Additionally, there are AI companions or social robots created specifically for the elderly. ElliQ, for example, is a small, friendly-looking robot that can initiate conversations, answer computer-related questions, play music, and generally act as a chatty friend.
Bonus Tip: The Password Stumper
Now, you did not ask for this, but I remember receiving several phone calls a day from my mom asking me to help retrieve yet another forgotten password. There are various digital and safe “vaults” that store all pertinent information with one, and only one, master password. RoboForm, Dashlane, NordPass and 1Pass are a few password managers that range from $2.39 to $7.49 a month for subscriptions.
GKW, I hope these suggestions help absolve you and your mom of any AI stresses. That way, you can focus on what counts: Spending quality time with your beloved mother.
