Originally Published by Sodexo.
Sodexo, a food services and facilities management company committed to improving Quality of Life, is now offering a new “Smart Living” program for senior living residents to easily engage within their community and in the community at large by simply using their voices. The “Smart Living” program integrates Sodexo menus with Connected Living content management systems to allow residents to simply ask Alexa for community information and much more.
The new experience provides residents with Amazon Echo devices which enable senior living residents with voice first, hands free experiences with Alexa, while an Amazon Show tablet provides an easy-to-use dashboard. Residents can ask Alexa questions specific to their community, such as “Alexa, what’s for lunch in the bistro next Friday” or “What’s on the events calendar today” Residents can also control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, doorbells and music. Residents are provided with training and support on how Alexa can be used to perform a wide range of functions related to daily living.
Communities nurture connection, continually evolve to offer more
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are modeled to promote social engagement and interaction. This program fosters greater engagement by making it easier for residents to access events and information, connect with apps and social networks online, and benefit from assistive technology in the event of age-related or other health challenges.
“Our research emphasizes the need for technologies that help seniors experience the world. Empathy guides our understanding of seniors’ needs. We know seniors often face diminished senses. The ability for senior communities to create connections enhances everyone’s quality of life,” said Bruno Vaquette, Global CEO Sodexo Seniors.
The “Smart Living” program through Connected Living platform allows residents to access information in one place and engage in activities inside the community. The technology is a critical bridge for seniors, particularly those with the chronic health issues that come with aging.
Sarah Hoit, CEO of Connected Living added, “These personalized services empower older adults to maintain and create new connections. This easy-to-integrate program is at the forefront of the voice revolution.”
Research is aligned: Social engagement drives health benefits
Experts agree: Social connections make a huge difference in health and longevity. Social isolation is linked to a higher chance of having Alzheimer’s disease, which now strikes more than 5.7 million Americans — a figure projected to triple by 2050. According to AARP’s Loneliness Study, people who are lonely are more likely to have heart disease and stroke, get immune system problems, and may even have a harder time recovering from cancer.
