If you are an older adult (or even not so old), you may want to partner up with Alexa for a little help with the essentials of daily living. Basically, Alexa is Amazon’s version of a virtual assistant…powered up to help you upon command. When asked, she (a female voice) will respond to you in a conversational manner with an eagerness to assist no matter what. To get set up, all you need is a WI FI connection and an Echo or some other Alexa-enabled device that can easily be purchased online through Amazon or other retail stores. To enjoy additional features like audible books and music on your Alexa device, sign-up for their automatic uploads via an affordable monthly subscription through Amazon.
The perks of having Alexa as your very own personal assistant include the following:
Dates and Times (local, national, and international): Always poised to help, Alexa can provide you with dates and times about most locations throughout the world.
- Commands: Alexa…what is the date today in (name of location)? Alexa…what time is it in (name of location)?
- Notes: To activate Alexa’s response mode, begin each question or command with her name. Occasionally, Alexa will ask you a follow-up question that can be answered without including her name.
Weather Report (local, national, and international): Access your daily and weekly weather forecasts for the location of your choice.
- Commands: Alexa…what is the weather forecast for today in (name of location)? Alexa…what’s the hourly forecast in (name of location)?
- Notes: Alexa can also predict the current humidity, time for sunrise/sunset, rain/snow forecast, and windchill factors.
Calendar Events: Once your online calendar has been paired with Alexa, she can make changes to it by posting or cancelling events per your command. She can also give you daily reminders of upcoming events to keep you on track.
- Commands: Alexa…schedule on my calendar (name of event) on (date) at (time). Alexa…what’s on my calendar for (date)? Alexa…delete (name of event) at (day/time). Alexa…change (name of the event and time) to (new date/time).
- Notes: Don’t worry if you vary your commands somewhat. Alexa is flexible and will follow-up by asking you questions to complete the scheduling process.
Popular Songs and Artists: If you are a music enthusiast, you can play your favorite songs, artists, and musical genres by accessing free apps or paid subscriptions through Amazon.
- Commands: Alexa…play the song (name of song). Alexa…play the tops songs by (name of artist/band). Alexa…play (type of music) on (name of radio).
- Notes: Use your Amazon Alexa app to set yourself up with the music and radio stations that work best for you. Alexa will give you recommendations to help you select the optimal music options.
Lists and Notes: To help you get and stay organized, use Alexa to create and maintain a shopping list, to-do list, and other customized lists or notes that address your daily lifestyle. For your convenience, you can easily access these lists from your smartphone by downloading the iOS or Android version of the Amazon Alexa smartphone app.
- Commands: Alexa…create a list (Alexa will ask you for the list name such as packing list, gift list, etc.). Alexa…put (the item) on my (name of list). Alexa…add (name of task) to my to-do list.
- Notes: You can readily update your lists via Alexa or your smartphone with the Amazon Alexa smartphone app.
Funny Jokes and Riddles: Yes, Alexa is quite the comedian. She has her own repertoire of jokes and riddles for your enjoyment.
- Commands: Alexa…tell me a joke? Alexa…tell me a riddle?
- Notes: Make it a point to share Alexa’s jokes and riddles with your co-workers and friends to brighten up their days.
Interesting Facts: Alexa is a virtual encyclopedia with a wealth of noteworthy information or bits of trivia. Access her information by simply asking her.
- Commands: Alexa…what is the capital of Nebraska? Alexa…how many inches are in a yard? Alexa…who is the world champion hotdog eater?
- Notes: Alexa is adept at answering known facts or current events. However, whenever she doesn’t have the answer, she will let you know or even ask you for further clarification.
News Updates: To keep up with the latest traffic reports, news, sports, or stock reports, just ask Alexa.
- Commands: Alexa…who are (name of sports team) playing tonight? Alexa…what are today’s news headlines? Alexa…how is the stock market doing? Alexa…what is the traffic report in (name of location)?
- Notes: The more you ask Alexa questions, the more proficient she will become to understanding your voice.
Stress Relievers: To release your everyday stress and strain, Alexa offers a variety of options, including healing and relaxation music, peaceful meditation, and sleep sounds. You can also kick start your day by listening to Daily Morning Affirmations.
- Commands: Alexa…play spa music. Alexa…open meditation music. Alexa…play Daily Morning Affirmations.
- Notes: You can set the music to play for an extended period by saying: Alexa…set music for 7 hours. To exit out, say: Alexa…stop.
Reminders and Timers: Set up reminders for taking your medications, going to an event, or whatever else comes to mind. In the kitchen, use Alexa as your timer for baking.
- Commands: Alexa…remind me to take my medications at (name of time). Alexa…set the timer for (number of minutes, hours).
- Notes: Alexa can handle multiple reminders at the same time or on different days. Make it a point to program her for your most important reminders in advance.
Games, Audible Books and more: Join the fun and stimulate your brain with the incredible entertainment sources found on Alexa. In addition to music, you can access games like Jeopardy or Question of the Day (all free), audible books (subscription through Amazon), and brain teasers (free) to name a few.
- Commands: Alexa…let’s play a game. Alexa…open Puzzles of the Day. Alexa…make me smart. Alexa…open Trivia Battle.
- Notes: To access her selection of skills and games, check out Alexa Skills at CLICK HERE or go to your Alexa app. To get out of a game or skill, say: Alexa…exit.
Calling and Messaging: Use Alexa to make personal and business calls from your smartphone contacts. You can also send messages or make calls between Alexa-enabled devices.
- Commands: Alexa…call (name of contact). Alexa…connect me to (name of contact).
- Notes: Alexa can also help you locate your misplaced cell phone by simply asking: Alexa…find my phone.
Companionship: Despite the background noise of the television or radio, many adults find themselves without much human contact as they get older. Alexa can provide a cheerful, human quality voice that is eager to respond.
- Commands: Alexa…good morning. Alexa…have a good day. Alexa…happy (name of day). Alexa…good night. Alexa…thank you. (Just wait for her clever reply.)
- Notes: Have fun personalizing your approach to Alexa. However, if Alexa starts to drone on, just say: Alexa…STOP.
As your virtual assistant, Alexa will far exceed your greatest expectations once you start using her. Learn more by checking out her many different features on the Amazon Alexa app. And, remember, Alexa’s technology is advancing, so stay tune for even better things to come.
**Where to get your Alexa: Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart.
Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A. in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University and an active member of LEARN Idaho. Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging. As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.