How to Use Zoom on Echo Show
If you like using an Alexa device like the Echo Show, and want to join with others on a Zoom call using that device, now you can.
Graceful aging: topic: Social & Family
Family, social life, belonging, love, relating to better quality life as grow older.
How to Use Alexa for Group Calls
On December 18, 2020, Amazon released an Alexa Group calling feature that allows up to seven (7) callers to be on the same Alexa call. Here is how to set it up and use it.
Need Help Making Alexa Useful
I am setting up Alexa for my parent who lives at a distance. I am unsure what features to include, or how to set it up so it is as useful as possible.
Tablets with Simpler User Interfaces: Interview
After completing a comparative evaluation of products in the category we call “senior-friendly tablets”, lead reviewer Frank Engelman was interviewed by Richard Caro, co-founder of Tech-enhanced Life. See the live video interview below. Live Interview This introduction is a starting point for a more detailed deep-dive into these products at “Best … Read more
Exploring Grandparent Apps
By Explorers: Susan Karplus, Lynn Davis, John Milford, Rich Selph. Dec. 2020. “Once you are a grandparent, almost nothing seems as important as interacting with your grandkids, and helping them and their parents as much as you can.” But, if you can’t visit, or live a long way away, how do you maintain the … Read more
Ideas for Alexa skills or routines to keep my Dad engaged
I'm giving Dad a couple of Alexa Echos for Christmas (he has a big house and is hard of hearing). I'm trying to find some good skills and maybe set up some routines to get him to actually engage with the devices. I was thinkng of creating a morning routine that includes a greeting, the weather … Read more
Alexa Care Hub: How To Advice
Amazon has a new “feature” in its Alexa artificial intelligence (AI) — called the Alexa Care Hub. It has the potential to help quite a lot in a situation where you are worried about, or caring for, someone who lives at a distance, and on whom you can not just “pop in” yourself — like your … Read more
Elderly Scams: When You Need to Take Control
What to do when a parent shows signs of falling for “scams” — and seems unable to take the appropriate actions to avoid them? While it is often appropriate to let older adults worry about their own “scam-proofing”, there are some situations in which an intervention is appropriate.
Watching Video Together Despite Distance
I wanted a solution that would let me and my sister (who lives far away) do some joint activities. We decided to try “joint watching” of a video. It worked rather well and we both enjoyed it, so I am sharing it here.
Want Joint Activity with Distant Relative
Your parent or relative lives far from you, or for whatever reason in person visits are not realistic.
You have a way to talk with them via video already. But now you want something you can actually DO together "virtually".