In our households, the kitchen is where the most love is shared, but it’s also where the biggest frustrations happen as we get older. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own mother and grandmother.
The Mystery of the Tiny Labels
When "Tiny Fonts" Become a Barrier
My mother’s eyesight has been gradually weakening with age. It’s a struggle we see often—she can’t determine the labels or check expiry dates on products without her glasses. Once, while we were cooking together, she got so offended. She was frustrated that the print on the jars was so small that she felt helpless without her glasses.
In that moment, I told her: "Don’t worry, I’ll tell you the dates." She was amazed. She knows I cannot see, so she couldn't understand how I would know. I used Seeing AI and Be My Eyes on my phone to read those labels for her. Even though I have no vision, technology gave me a way to be her eyes. It was a beautiful moment because, for the first time, the labels weren't a barrier for either of us.
When the Milk Spills
Then there is my grandmother’s story. Being old, she once forgot she had put milk on the stove. Because of her age, she couldn't walk fast enough to reach the kitchen when it started to boil over. The milk spilled everywhere, and it left her feeling weak and upset.
These aren't just "tech problems"—these are moments that affect the dignity and safety of the women we love. We need gadgets like smart induction hobs that can be monitored remotely or set to auto-shutoff to prevent these hazards.
My Strategy: Don’t "Gift" It, Use It
Why We Fear the Unknown
Human psychology tells us we fear new things. If I had just given my elders a gadget as a gift, they would have probably let it sit in the box. Instead, I just started using my "Soft Assistant" in front of them.
I am talkative and I love using my iPhone features. At first, my family was surprised to hear me talking to Siri. They’d ask, "Who are you talking to?" But when they saw that I could find my phone on the sofa or set a kitchen alarm just by calling out—without roaming around or searching—they were convinced.
Now, every single person in my family has activated their voice assistant. They realized it’s a "Soft Assistant" available 24/7 without a salary.
The Language Barrier and the Future
However, technology isn't perfect yet. My mother speaks Urdu, and the reality is that these "smart" assistants still don't understand our local language. It’s a gap that needs to be filled. But until then, I am the bridge. I use the English assistant to handle the alarms and labels, and I share that ease with her.
We don't need to wait for perfect tech to start helping our families. We just have to show them that technology isn't something to fear—it's the best way to keep the heart of the home running smoothly.