Sodexo Seniors, in Partnership With Connected Living, Introduces New “Smart Living” Program for Senior Living Residents Using Alexa in the US

GAITHERSBURG, Md., October 23, 2018 /3BL Media/ - Sodexo, a food services and facilities management company committed to improving Quality of Life, is now offering a new “Smart Living” program for senior living residents to easily engage within their community and in the community at large by simply using their voices. The “Smart Living” program integrates Sodexo menus with Connected Living content management systems to allow residents to simply ask Alexa for community information and much more.

The new experience provides residents with Amazon Echo devices which enable senior living residents with voice first, hands free experiences with Alexa, while an Amazon Show tablet provides an easy-to-use dashboard. Residents can ask Alexa questions specific to their community, such as “Alexa, what’s for lunch in the bistro next Friday?” or “What’s on the events calendar today?” Residents can also control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, doorbells and music. Residents are provided with training and support on how Alexa can be used to perform a wide range of functions related to daily living.

Communities nurture connection, continually evolve to offer more

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are modeled to promote social engagement and interaction. This program fosters greater engagement by making it easier for residents to access events and information, connect with apps and social networks online, and benefit from assistive technology in the event of age-related or other health challenges.

“Our research¹ emphasizes the need for technologies that help seniors experience the world. Empathy guides our understanding of seniors’ needs. We know seniors often face diminished senses. The ability for senior communities to create connections enhances everyone’s quality of life,” said Bruno Vaquette, Global CEO – Sodexo Seniors. 

The “Smart Living” program through Connected Living platform allows residents to access information in one place and engage in activities inside the community. The technology is a critical bridge for seniors, particularly those with the chronic health issues that come with aging.

Sarah Hoit, CEO of Connected Living added, “These personalized services empower older adults to maintain and create new connections. This easy-to-integrate program is at the forefront of the voice revolution.”

Research is aligned: Social engagement drives health benefits

Experts agree: Social connections make a huge difference in health and longevity.² Social isolation is linked to a higher chance of having Alzheimer’s disease, which now strikes more than 5.7 million Americans -- a figure projected to triple by 2050. According to AARP’s Loneliness Study³, people who are lonely are more likely to have heart disease and stroke, get immune system problems, and may even have a harder time recovering from cancer.

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About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 72 countries. Sodexo is a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers in corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, sports and leisure, government and other environments daily. The company employs 150,000 people at 13,000 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs through its annual purchases of $9.2 billion in goods and services from small to large American businesses. Sodexo is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct. In support of local communities across the U.S., the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed close to $32 million over the past 20 years to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. To learn more about Sodexo, visit SodexoUSA.com, SodexoInsights.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About Connected Living

Founded in 2007, Connected Living, Inc. is a social impact company founded to bridge the “digital divide” between millions of seniors and their families, friends and communities. The company creates transformational technologies that enable people to connect, contribute, and lead healthier lives. To download the Connected Living mobile app, visit https://app.connectedliving.com. Contact: Neil Sullivan at 1-800-223-5080, info@connectedliving.com

Contact: Enrico Dinges, 301-987-4393, enrico.dinges@sodexo.com

¹ Sodexo and University of Ottawa Make Sense of Seniors’ Quality of Life

² Thrive Global / Five Essential Lifestyle Ingredients

³ https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2018/loneliness-survey.html