  Older adults are using voice-based technologies in a variety of different
contexts and are uniquely positioned to benefit from smart speakers' handsfree,
voice-based interface. In order to better understand the ways in which older
adults engage with and learn how to use smart speakers, we conducted
qualitative, semi-structured interviews with four older adults who own smart
speakers. Emerging findings indicate that older adults benefit from smart
speakers as both an assistive and a social technology. Findings also suggest
that when older adults learn new technologies in a formal, communal environment
there is successful adoption.
