NOTE: This article is not about any of the "normal" topics of this newsletter: genealogy, history, current affairs, DNA, and related topics. However, I have grown to depend on my Amazon Alexa device for all sorts of things and thought this article might interest some of this newsletter's readers to perhaps purchase one or more Alexa devices (or a competitive device). If used frequently, it will simplify your life!

Older adults use voice assistant devices more often with training and flyers with instructions to complement their daily routine, according to a new University of Michigan study that looked at long-term usage.

Voice assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Nest, are low-cost computing devices that use voice and conversation as the primary interaction modality. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular with hands-free methods to retrieve information or to listen to music.

These devices also provide better information access for older adults, who may not use computers and mobile devices due to late-life vision or motor disability.

Older adults use voice assistant devices more often with training and flyers with instructions to complement their daily routine, according to a new University of Michigan study that looked at long-term usage

Voice assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Nest, are low-cost computing devices that use voice and conversation as the primary interaction modality. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular with hands-free methods to retrieve information or to listen to music.

These devices also provide better information access for older adults, who may not use computers and mobile devices due to late-life vision or motor disability. The researchers also noted that some participants felt Alexa also provided comfort through conversations, especially valuable when they were lonely.

If you are an older adult, you may find Alexa (or one of its competitors) to be a very useful addition to your life.

You can learn more in an article  in the University of Michigan web site at: https://news.umich.edu/alexa-set-the-alarm-for-me-to-take-my-medication/

You'll have to excuse me now as it's time for my two-way video chat on Alexa with my grandchildren...