coffee with alexa:
how one presentation is bringing smart technology to older adults in Sullivan

When Misty Gleason stepped up to lead a group training in Age-Friendly Sullivan, she knew many older adults felt intimidated by smart home technology. But she also knew these devices—like Amazon's Echo Dot—could be life-changing.

Gleason's presentation focused on real-life examples: using voice commands to turn off lights from bed, setting medication reminders, making grocery lists, and staying connected with loved ones through simple voice calls. Her friendly, practical approach made all the difference. By the end of the session, eight people had signed up to have Echo Dots installed in their homes—an example of how the right presentation by a trusted member of the community can break down barriers to technology adoption.

Why This Matters

Virtual home assistants (VHAs) like Alexa and Google Home have the potential to support older people in our communities, but without proper training and support, they often sit unused in their boxes. That's why Gleason's presentation in Sullivan was so important.

Her presentation, and others that have happened around the state, build on a successful partnership between Lifelong Maine, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, and Age-Friendly Saco, which deployed trained volunteers to personally install and teach people how to use VHAs. The results have been remarkable: within two months, 72% of recipients felt confident using their devices.

One volunteer shared a story from a community member who, for the first time since losing her husband, could get into bed with the lights on and simply say, "Alexa, turn off the lights and music." By the second visit, this woman was using her device for grocery lists and playing music—and enthusiastically telling others about the program.

Benefits for Daily Life

The impact goes beyond convenience. For social connection, one participant explained: "After I make my coffee, I tell Alexa to call Marie. We talk about this and that. It's a check-in so we both know we are alive (chuckles) and starts the day with a friend."

VHAs also support independence. As one user noted, "With Alexa, my daughter doesn't feel like she needs to come every day to check if I have taken my medicine. When she does visit, we can enjoy talking—not talk about what she thinks I haven't done."

The VHA devices are also entertaining. Some of the participants have asked it to give them trivia questions and music. But perhaps most importantly, mastering this technology builds confidence. As a 92-year-old participant said: "If I can teach Alexa to remind me to grab my keys and the cell phone, to lock the door and turn off the lights before I go for my walk, I can do anything—even at 92."

Interested in distributing ECHO Dots in your community? 

Email Lifelong@maine.edu to learn about the next round of the VHA program.