Is voice the future interface for older adults?

Author

Sarah Richard
February 22, 2024

Ice Cream Problems

I’ve been struck by “ice cream” problems in my community this week. Joseph Coughlin’s “ice cream” problems are the lack of delightful solutions for older adults: existing solutions largely address only the lowest needs in Maslow’s hierarchy for older adults1 . We have distinctly un-fun and un-sexy solutions to care for adults who’ve “fallen and can’t get up,” but we don’t have a solution that can empower adults to independently get an ice cream with a friend. Existing tech built for older adults cares for basic physical health needs. For delight, older adults turn to mass consumer tech, often prompted by younger family members.

Unfortunately, most mass consumer tech isn’t built with adequate accessibility in mind. Older adults I work with have underscored how precarious their mastery of existing tech is due to concerns like macular degeneration impairing their vision and rheumatoid arthritis impairing their strength to click buttons. I’ve had almost every client reference that the skills they learn today will need to be relearned, differently, when they lose eyesight or grip strength.

Voice-First Translation of Consumer Tech

The more I learn from clients, the more I’m convinced by Laurie M. Orlov's "Technology for Aging: 2024 Market Overview" predictions pointing towards a future where voice is the interface that translates consumer tech for older adults2 .

Orlov highlights the resonance (pun intended) of the “hearables” market, which leverages hearing aids as wearable bluetooth headphones. Hearables have now expanded to include innovations like solar-charged and AI-enabled hearing aids with fall detection and smartphone adjustable sound2 . While many open questions around privacy and security of voice-first technology remain, I’m optimistic about what this technology can mean for older adults.

Voice-First Solutions

I noticed several companies are already using voice as a conduit for mental health and empowerment:

  • Ellipsis Health: Integrates voice technology for mental health monitoring, offering a clinically validated tool for assessing mental well-being through speech catered to employers and healthcare providers

    • Founders (2017): Dr. Michael Aratow, Mainul I Mainul

  • K4Connect: Provides Amazon Alexa voice assistants to senior living residents to promote independence and empowerment

    • Founders (2013) F Scott Moody, Jonathan Gould

  • Kintsugi: Detects clinical depression and anxiety from short clips of speech to accelerate mental health care diagnosis

    • Founders (2019): Grace Chang and Rima Seiilova-Olson

    • Notable investors: Primetime Partners

These platforms underscore a broader trend towards creating more inclusive and empowering voice-first digital environments for older adults.

Voices from the Upper West Side

This week’s tech coaching sessions with older adults in the Upper West Side (NYC) offer a poignant glimpse into the transformative potential of voice-first technology3 :

  • Carol has been diagnosed with macular degeneration, which will gradually impair her ability to use the password management tactics we’ve brainstormed

  • Mentioned last week, the sentimental value of saved voicemails from Robert’s beloved wife illustrates how voice-first technology can feel so much more personal to older adults (frankly, to us all!)

  • Patty struggles with rheumatoid arthritis, making tasks like adjusting volume or taking screenshots a challenge - and Patty finds Apple accessibility mode less intuitive than the physical button clicking

Voice: An Interface for Older Adults

As we navigate the future of technology for aging, voice-first interfaces stand out as a major opportunity for older adult connection and empowerment. By prioritizing accessibility like voice-first options, we build toward a future where technology not only connects but empowers every individual, regardless of age or physical capability and preference.

3 Name and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.