United We Age and Speak2 launch “Stay In Touch” to provide Amazon Alexa to connect Aging Adults
Newark, NJ (May 25, 2021) – Speak2 is pleased to announce our partnership with United We Age to bring Amazon Echo Shows to aging adults living independently and in senior living communities in Florida. In a world overrun by smart devices and screen-obsessed people, Speak2, an Amazon Business Partner, and United We Age, a nonprofit organization supporting older adults, provide an outlet for aging adults to connect with them.
United We Age launches a bold, new initiative— Stay in Touch—to enhance seniors’ lives with technology. Their mission is to inspire a movement where all generations of people are more aware and supportive of people aging. Age should not be a barrier to seniors participating in the online (internet) world.
This exciting partnership enables seniors to communicate and receive services through an Alexa device in their home. They can ask for assistance, get information, and communicate with family and friends, all through Alexa. Matt Smith, C.E.O. for Speak2 points out; “Seniors struggle with screens and phones. Together with United We Age, we plan to reach as many screen-challenged people as possible to connect them with their community.” By enabling seniors to use their voice instead of dealing with screens, the daily interaction level goes up, increasing confidence and engagement. These interactions positively impact quality of life and wellness.
“We are thrilled to launch our program with Speak2 as a partner,” says David Lereah, President of United We Age. “We are impressed by Amazon’s Echo Show devices and we’ve seen how they can improve the lives of seniors. Our goal is for America’s senior population to join the technology revolution by assuring that every aging adult has access to the internet through voice-activated technology devices like Alexa.”
There are millions of seniors living at home or residing in senior living communities, who have little social support, and many of them are financially and/or health challenged. Many seniors are increasingly isolated due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Stay in Touch program gives seniors instant access to video chats with family/friends, music, family photos, real-time news, online games, and interaction with healthcare providers, and so on.
Research has shown that it is far easier for seniors to learn to use smart speakers and voice technology than to use screen-based devices (Telecompetitor). It’s simple to ask Alexa for things like the weather, news, video calls, or sports scores – this habit can be extended to more personal requests with Speak2 Family. For instance, to send a message through Alexa, Seniors say “Alexa, tell Speak2 to send a message.”
The United We Age-Speak2 Family solution can be used no matter what the senior’s living environment – in a private home or apartment, independent living community, assisted living facility, or long-term nursing center. This partnership makes it easy for people to adopt useful technology like voice-driven interfaces to drive better outcomes.
