Use of Intelligent Voice Assistants by Older Adults with Low Technology Use

Abstract

Voice assistants embodied in smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home) enable voice-based interaction that does not necessarily rely on expertise with mobile or desktop computing. Hence, these voice assistants offer new opportunities to different populations, including individuals who are not interested or able to use traditional computing devices such as computers and smartphones. To understand how older adults who use technology infrequently perceive and use these voice assistants, we conducted a 3-week field deployment of the Amazon Echo Dot in the homes of seven older adults. While some types of usage dropped over the 3-week period (e.g., playing music), we observed consistent usage for finding online information. Given that much of this information was health-related, this finding emphasizes the need to revisit concerns about credibility of information with this new interaction medium. Although features to support memory (e.g., setting timers, reminders) were initially perceived as useful, the actual usage was unexpectedly low due to reliability concerns. We discuss how these findings apply to other user groups along with design implications and recommendations for future work on voice-user interfaces.

A Practical Experience on the Amazon Alexa Integration in Smart Offices

“…The practical scenarios show that Alexa has difficulties in understanding the project’s name and the user name. This is the case in other research papers as well, especially in the medical field [ 29 , 53 ]. In this point, we wanted to further understand which is the users’ perception of the implemented Alexa skills, in this way answering (RQ3).…”

“…A distinct application category is that of employing VAs to help the elderly that have visual impairment [ 24 , 25 ], need strengthening of social bonds [ 26 ], or daily caring [ 27 , 28 ]. In [ 29 ], Amazon Echo Dot was used in the home of seven older adults. This VA was consistently used for finding online health-related information, while the usage of other features, like setting timers, reminders, and so on, was low due to reliability issues.…”

Exploring How Older Adults Use a Smart Speaker–Based Voice Assistant in Their First Interactions: Qualitative Study

“…Lastly, research has explored the utility and usability of voice assistants as an assistive technology [ 21 , 22 ]. In particular, researchers are increasingly recognizing the potential that voice assistants can offer in the aging society [ 5 , 23 ], exploring application areas to facilitate voice assistants to support older adults [ 24 , 25 ]. This paper contributes to this emerging body of literature by specifically investigating the first reactions that older adults have to voice assistants.…”

Treatment Adherence in Chronic Conditions during Ageing: Uses, Functionalities, and Cultural Adaptation of the Assistant on Care and Health Offline (ACHO) in Rural Areas

“…Their use has opened new possibilities for a wide range of people—including elderly adults who otherwise have no interest or expertise in technological devices. However, data reported about their use seem ambivalent: while a number of studies have argued their efficiency in healthcare due to their use of natural language and ability to simulate human conversations [ 87 , 89 , 90 ], others have suggested that interactions through these kinds of devices are inconsistent and incomplete [ 91 , 92 ], which can have dangerous consequences. In order to improve these issues, researchers are developing specific skills or applications to help integrate the medical agenda, prescription reminders, and other healthcare monitoring systems into existing devices [ 93 ].…”