Developers can win cash prizes for developing new Alexa skills for older adults, Amazon announced at an Alexa Live event last month. Skills that serve senior living communities as well as older adults aging in place are eligible. Senior Housing News shared the announcement, quoting Kelly Wenzel, director of B2B Marketing and Developer Engagement for Alexa, who spoke at the event.

“We are inviting all developers, designers and tech-for-good enthusiasts to build Alexa experiences for the age 55-plus population,” Wenzel reportedly announced. “This is your opportunity to build delightful Alexa skills for this large and diverse older adult cohort and compete for more than $45,000 in prizes.”

Contest details will be posted to Amazon’s developer portal.

The Senior Housing News article also shared ways that senior living organizations are deploying Amazon Echo devices and using Alexa Smart Properties, which allows organizations such as senior living communities to provide Alexa capabilities at scale. Results include increased staff efficiency and job satisfaction, as well as increased resident independence, satisfaction, and connection with loved ones.

Amazon presenting at LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO

Registration is now open for the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO, with 11 sessions bringing you the latest developments in aging-services technologies. The meeting will be held Oct. 16-19, 2022, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.

Be sure to check out session 6-D, Voice Interactive Technology: The Future of Aging Services on Monday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. – noon. There, you can hear the latest on what Amazon is doing to enhance senior living. Register today!