As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic progresses, social distancing has emerged as an effective measure to restrain the spread of infections. People of all ages are now being forced to confine themselves in their homes. This has resulted in increased social isolation and loneliness for seniors who are not able to see their families and friends. Amazon Alexa has a wide variety of skills and commands to keep seniors entertained and connected with their families and friends. Here are the best Amazon Alexa tips for coping COVID-19 for seniors.
Calling
Reaching out to a family member or friend can easily brighten the person’s day – even if it’s just to say hello or talk about the weather. This is especially important now for seniors who are even more isolated. With the Amazon Alexa, it’s so easy to reach out and talk. Once you verify your phone number and sync your contacts in the Amazon Alexa app, just ask Alexa to call any of your contacts by name to make hands-free calls while you multitask.
“Alexa, call mom”
If you have an Echo Show or Echo Spot, you can make videos to family and friends.
Entertainment
One of the great things about the Amazon Alexa is there an almost unlimited source of entertainment – all you have to do is ask. You can listen to music, books, radio stations, playing games, or podcast. Many of these require enabling a skill or maybe setting up an account but after it is set up, all you have to do is ask Alexa.
“Alexa, play relaxing Johnny Cash”
“Alexa, play songs by Bing Crosby”
“Alexa, open Puzzle of the Day”
“Alexa, open iHeartRadio”
“Alexa, what’s free from Audible”
“Alexa, play Up First NPR on Apple Podcasts”
“Alexa, play Jeopardy”
Staying Informed
“Alexa, what do I do if I think I have COVID-19?” | You can ask Alexa for a series of questions about your travel history, symptoms, and possible exposure. Based on your responses, Alexa will provide CDC guidance given your risk level and symptoms.
“Alexa, give me an update on COVID-19“
“Alexa, what is the weather”
“Alexa, launch This Day in History”
“Alexa, how do you prevent COVID-19?“
“Alexa, tell me some good news”
“Alexa, play CBS News”
“Alexa, how do you prevent COVID-19?“
“Alexa, ask TED Talks to play the latest talk”
Health and Relaxation
While the Amazon Alexa is not a medical device, it can do lots of things to you manage your health like …..reminders to take your medication, play relaxing musing to help you sleep, exercise, and many more.
“Alexa, play relaxing music”
“Alexa, help me relax”
“Alexa, help me meditate”
“Alexa, help me sleep”
“Alexa, remind me to take my medication every day at 7 AM and 6 PM”
“Alexa, open WebMD”
While there is no substitute for actually being with a love one, the Amazon Alexa can help you stay connected with your family and friends during these trying times along with providing a little entertainment to pass the time.