In our lives, we are surrounded by elders – parents, grandparents, and other family members – who have accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge. EldersTree is an innovative Alexa skill designed to connect users with these valuable individuals, fostering intergenerational interaction and support. This platform not only allows users to tap into the wisdom of elders but also helps to combat social isolation often experienced by seniors, making them feel more connected and valued.
Connecting Generations Through Questions and Answers
One of the core features of EldersTree is the “Ask an Elder” function. Users can pose questions about life, career paths, relationships, or any topic they seek guidance on simply by saying, “Alexa, ask EldersTree a question” followed by their query. For more complex or lengthy questions, the Alexa app’s text interaction feature can be utilized. These questions are then shared with registered elders on the platform.
Elders can engage with these questions by using the command, “Alexa, open EldersTree and get a question”. This voice command will present them with an unanswered question from the user pool. If an elder wishes to explore different questions, they can use the same command again to skip and receive a new question. To provide an answer, elders use the command “Alexa, open EldersTree and answer question”. Once an elder has responded, the user who initially asked the question receives notifications via email and text message, complete with a unique link to view both the question and the insightful answer provided.
Virtual Lunch or Dinner: Personal Connections with Elders
Beyond Q&A, EldersTree facilitates deeper connections through virtual social events. Recognizing the immense value in personal stories and direct interaction, the platform offers a “Virtual Lunch/Dinner with Elder” feature. Users can sign up to share a virtual meal and conversation with an elder, providing a wonderful opportunity to learn from their life experiences and offer companionship. Elders can initiate hosting these events by saying, “Alexa, open EldersTree and host event”.
Interested users can join these virtual gatherings by saying, “Alexa, open EldersTree and join an event”. The system will then guide them through a few questions to match them with a suitable event based on their availability. For seamless communication during the virtual event, users can add the contact details of their assigned EldersTree elder to their Alexa app. When the event commences, they can initiate a call using commands like “Alexa, call [name]@EldersTree” or “Alexa, video call [name]@EldersTree”. Elders are also promptly notified when a user registers to attend their hosted event. For enhanced privacy, users have the option to utilize virtual number services like Google Voice linked to a separate Alexa profile.
Built on Robust Technology
EldersTree is built leveraging the power of the Amazon Alexa Skill Kit and a suite of robust AWS technologies. AWS Lambda functions are utilized for skill handling, notifications, and generating custom Q&A pages. DynamoDB serves as the primary database for efficient data storage and retrieval. AWS SNS manages event-driven actions, while AWS SES handles email notifications, and Twilio is integrated for sending text messages. This technological foundation ensures a reliable and scalable platform for connecting users and elders.
Fostering Connection and Purpose
EldersTree addresses a crucial need in society by fostering connections between generations. It provides a platform for elders to share their wisdom and experiences, combating potential feelings of isolation and offering them a sense of purpose. For users, it opens a unique avenue to gain valuable life advice and learn from the rich histories of older generations.
Future Enhancements: Expanding the Ecosystem
Looking ahead, EldersTree is poised for further expansion with exciting features in development. “Bed Time Stories” will allow elders to record and share comforting bedtime stories, reminiscent of cherished childhood memories. This feature aims to provide emotional connection and a sense of familiarity, potentially through in-app subscription support for elders. Another planned feature, “Help an Elder,” will enable elders to request assistance with daily tasks such as festive decorations, grocery shopping, basic home maintenance, and lawn care. This feature will further integrate practical support into the EldersTree ecosystem, fostering a community of mutual help and goodwill.
EldersTree represents a significant step towards leveraging voice technology to build meaningful connections between generations. By providing accessible and engaging features, it not only enriches the lives of users seeking guidance but also empowers elders, offering them new avenues for social engagement and a continued sense of value.
