Using Smart Speaker Technology for Health and Well-being in an Older Adult Population: Pre-Post Feasibility Study

• DOI: 10.2196/33498
• Publication Date: 2021-12-27T20:19:39Z
• Authors: Rachel McCloud; Carly Perez; Mesfin Awoke Bekalu; K Viswanath
• Keywords: Original Paper; Geriatrics; 4. Education; RC952-954.6; 16. Peace & justice

Although smart speaker technology is poised to help improve the health and well-being of older adults by offering services such as music, medication reminders, connection others, more research needed determine how from lower socioeconomic position (SEP) accept use this technology.This study aimed investigate feasibility using speakers low-SEP adults.A total 39 aged between 65 85 years who lived in a subsidized housing community were recruited participate 3-month study. The participants had at their home given brief orientation on its use. Over course study, weekly check-in calls assist with any problems newsletters tips speaker. Participants received pretest posttest gauge comfort technology, well-being, perceptions staff also maintained detailed process notes interactions over including log all issues reported.At end period, 38% (15/39) indicated daily, reported it several times per week. In addition, 72% (28/39) that they wanted continue after Most (24/39, 62%) was useful, approximately half felt gave them another voice talk (19/39, 49%) connected outside world (18/39, 46%). common uses for weather, news, fewer health-related questions. Despite initial challenges experienced framing questions speaker, additional explanations addressed these early weeks study.The results indicate there promise adults, particularly connect reminders. Future studies will need provide upfront training query formation well develop promote specific options area well-being.