In Tírig, technology is being used by the community to address an increasingly common problem: unwanted loneliness among older people. The municipality has joined Voices on the Net, a Red Cross initiative that promotes the use of smart speakers to facilitate support, communication and autonomy at home.
The program reaches out to neighbors aged 65 and over. Alexa devices with screen and offers free installation, with the goal of enabling users to connect with their surroundings, access everyday digital services, and maintain routines that improve their daily well-being.
What is the initiative in Tírig?
Voices in Network promotes a close digital accompaniment thanks to voice assistants. With natural language and a touch screen, the devices allow make calls, video calls or sending instant messages, something especially useful for those who live alone or have limited mobility.
In addition to communication, speakers can help with medication and appointment reminders, play music or radio, read the news, check the weather, and set up personalized routines. All of this is easily configured for convenient and accessible daily use.
The approach is clear: strengthen the personal autonomy without replacing human contact. Technology acts as a bridge between smart homes with Alexa which facilitates contact with family, friends, and municipal or health services, complementing other forms of social support.
The council emphasizes that this initiative responds to a real need in the area, seeking practical solutions that help older people feel more accompanied and connected in their usual environment.
How many devices are there and who is it aimed at?
The initiative is driven by Spain Red Cross with the collaboration of Amancio Ortega Foundation, which in 2023 acquired 26.000 Alexa devices for distribution to people over 65 years of age throughout the country. In the case of Tírig, the City Council has up to 90 speakers to meet local demand.
The priority profile is municipal residents aged 65 or older who wish to improve their communication and access to digital services. At the local level, the project is especially targeted at those experiencing unwanted loneliness or have difficulties in maintaining frequent contact with their environment, so it is important to know the implications for data protection.
The mayor, Juan José “Juanjo” Carreres, explained that this is a commitment to the social innovation with a practical approach: bringing simple and useful tools to the homes of those who can benefit most from them.
The objective is to progressively deploy the available equipment, responding to the requests received and ensuring that the configuration is understandable and personalized for every home.
How to apply, installation and connectivity
Interested persons can contact Tírig Town Hall to process the application. There, they will receive detailed information on how the program works, along with advice and support during the implementation process.
Installation is free and the project is responsible for the project, ensuring the equipment is ready for use from day one. Support staff helps create routines and contacts trusted, and resolves basic doubts so that handling is simple, they also explain how you can protect yourself regarding privacy.
An important aspect to take into account is the internet at home, since voice assistants require access to the network. The council details that around one million have already been registered. quarantine of requests and that the service will continue to be deployed as the technical conditions in each home are confirmed; it is also worth considering possible global failures in Alexa.
Examples of everyday use illustrate well the value of the tool: organizing a video call with a group of friends to chat while cooking dinner, turning on music or the radio to accompany the afternoon or listen to audiobooks, or schedule reminders for tasks and medications, all through voice commands.
The municipal intention is to reach the people who need it with a progressive approach, ensuring that each installation is well configured and that the device is adapted to the needs of the users. user preferences, avoiding unnecessary complications.
With the support of the Red Cross and the Amancio Ortega Foundation, Tírig is moving forward along a clear path: using technology in a useful and accessible way so that seniors feel more supported, with up to 90 devices available, free installation, and support that focuses on autonomy and well-being at home.
