Intelligent virtual assistance (IVA) can take quite a while to get used to, especially for older people who grew up in a time when such did not exist. Intelligent virtual assistants are devices or software that completes tasks for people through voice commands. Technology has made life easier for many of us, and virtual assistants are devices you can use to take care of simple tasks like setting reminders, playing music, listening to audiobooks, and other things. The number of people who use virtual assistants is growing every day, and incorporating it into your daily life can be very exciting for you. For seniors, especially those in assisted living, using virtual assistants can be a little demanding, but there are ways to make its usage easier.

1. It is a gradual process.

Older people were not brought up with virtual assistance, unlike the younger generation, so it may take a bit of time for you to get used to it. Do not rush the process by trying to memorize everything at once. With time, you will accumulate all the information you need to use the virtual assistants like a pro. Take all the time you need. Start with simple commands that are not complicated for you. In case you forget how to go about giving it commands, try to remember the basic things you’d like help with, like setting up reminders for an event. Doing this will gradually help you to get used to the virtual assistants over time.

2. It can be an acquaintance.

Talk to the virtual assistant like you’re talking to an acquaintance, colleague, friend, or someone you know. The primary function of virtual assistants is to help you with your day-to-day activities, but you have to ask the assistants to help you. It is not difficult to do; you only need to communicate with it by telling it what to do. For example, you could say, “Alexa, play me a workout song.” This command activates the device to carry out the task you wish it to do.

3. Use video platforms

It can be difficult knowing how to use virtual assistants and how to solve the issues you may have with them. One effective way for older people to understand how they work is by using video platforms like YouTube. These platforms use videos to show you how to operate and troubleshoot your virtual assistants. Older people may benefit from video platforms better because you do not have to read, as reading becomes a problem for many seniors the older they get. These video platforms usually have step-by-step instructions for what to do for whatever issue you may have with your virtual assistants.

4. It picks up sound

Older people may feel odd having the virtual assistants respond to questions even when the virtual assistants were not asked. This happens because the virtual assistants pick up sound, and it may respond to questions that you may be asking while being on the phone with someone else. This should not make you feel threatened or afraid. Just remember that it is there to work with the sound of your voice and your commands.

5. Put it in sleep mode.

Whenever you are not using your virtual assistant, it should be in sleep mode. This is so that it does not respond to commands that you do not want the assistant to respond to. You can awaken it by using a wake command. For example, you can say “Hey, Siri” to wake up the virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants can be easy to use for older people, and seniors with assisted living can make the most out of it to give more independence over their day-to-day activities.