40 Simple Alexa and Google Assistant Commands for Seniors

Voice assistants are most helpful when you know what to say. For seniors, the trick is keeping commands short and clear. This guide lists 40 simple phrases that work well on Alexa or Google Assistant.

Use them daily — they save time, make routines easier, and even help with safety.

1. Everyday essentials

Task	Say this aloud
Ask the time	“Alexa, what time is it?”
Ask the date	“Alexa, what day is it today?”
Check weather	“Alexa, what’s the weather?”
Temperature	“Alexa, what’s the temperature right now?”
Set timer	“Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes.”
Set alarm	“Alexa, set an alarm for 7 a.m.”

Tip: Use alarms for medicine or appointments.

 

2. Staying in touch

Task	Say this aloud
Call a contact	“Alexa, call John.”
Send a message	“Alexa, send a message to Sarah.”
Drop In (intercom)	“Alexa, drop in on kitchen.”
Check missed calls	“Alexa, what calls did I miss?”
Answer a call	“Alexa, answer call.”

Tip: Add contacts in the Alexa app for easy voice calls.

 

3. Entertainment and fun

Task	Say this aloud
Play music	“Alexa, play classic hits.”
Listen to radio	“Alexa, play BBC Radio 2.”
Tell a joke	“Alexa, tell me a joke.”
Storytime	“Alexa, read me a bedtime story.”
Listen to news	“Alexa, what’s the news?”
Play trivia	“Alexa, play trivia.”

Tip: Regular laughter and stories help with mood and memory.

 

4. Health & reminders

Task	Say this aloud
Set medication reminder	“Alexa, remind me to take pills at 8 a.m.”
Repeat reminder	“Alexa, repeat that reminder daily.”
Cancel reminder	“Alexa, cancel my 8 a.m. reminder.”
Start exercise	“Alexa, start 5-minute stretching.”
Track water intake	“Alexa, remind me to drink water every hour.”

Tip: Use recurring reminders for habits and medication.

 

5. Home comfort & control

Task	Say this aloud
Lights on/off	“Alexa, turn on living room light.”
Adjust brightness	“Alexa, dim the light.”
TV control	“Alexa, turn on TV.”
Fan on/off	“Alexa, turn off fan.”
Temperature check	“Alexa, what’s the thermostat set to?”

Tip: Smart plugs can make lamps or fans voice-controlled — no need for remotes.

 

6. Safety & emergencies

Task	Say this aloud
Emergency call	“Alexa, call emergency contact.”
Send message	“Alexa, send help message to family.”
Find my phone	“Alexa, find my phone.”
Check batteries	“Alexa, is my Echo connected to power?”
Turn on night light	“Alexa, turn on night light.”

Tip: Make sure emergency contacts are added in the app first.

 

7. Daily living & memory support

Task	Say this aloud
Shopping list	“Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.”
Read list	“Alexa, what’s on my shopping list?”
Calendar	“Alexa, what’s on my schedule today?”
To-do list	“Alexa, add doctor visit to my to-do list.”
Repeat question	“Alexa, can you repeat that?”

Tip: These help seniors stay organized without needing paper.

 

8. Relaxation & mood

Task	Say this aloud
Play nature sounds	“Alexa, play ocean waves.”
Play sleep sounds	“Alexa, play sleep sounds.”
Breathing exercise	“Alexa, start deep breathing.”
Positive quote	“Alexa, give me a positive quote.”
Prayer or meditation	“Alexa, play morning prayer.”

Tip: Calm sounds help improve sleep and reduce stress.

 

Quick setup checklist

✅ Simple short phrases only.
✅ Speak clearly and pause after “Alexa” or “Hey Google.”
✅ Keep device close enough to hear commands.
✅ Volume set between 4–6 for clarity.
✅ Practice 2–3 commands daily to build confidence.

 

Conclusion

With these 40 commands, any senior can start using Alexa or Google Assistant easily.
Print this list and place it near the device.
Over time, your parent will remember the phrases naturally — and enjoy more independence at home.

Next article: Best Smart Speakers for Seniors 2025 — Which to Buy and Why