Helping My Mum Stay Independent with Copilot

Recently, I made a trip back to Sabah to visit my parents. My mother, 83, is remarkably healthy—physically and mentally. Friends, relatives, and even doctors often comment on her sharpness. But even she has started to show signs of natural cognitive decline: memory lapses, occasional confusion, and the usual signs of aging.

They still live on their own, and while my brother and I have a system in place and take turns staying with them for longer periods, we’re not always there. That’s when I had an idea: what if technology could help fill in the gaps?

Introducing Copilot to My Mum

During my visit, I installed Microsoft Copilot on my mum’s mobile phone. I showed her how to use the Vision and Camera features—how to point the camera at something and ask, “What is this?” or “How do I use this?”

She was hesitant at first. But once she saw how Copilot could help her read small print, identify pills, or even remind her how to use the microwave, she was hooked. It gave her a sense of independence—and gave me peace of mind.

Generated using Nano Banana

Why This Matters

Many elderly folks don’t ask for help—not because they don’t need it, but because they don’t want to be a burden. They might forget how to do something simple, like set the TV input or reheat leftovers, but they’ll wait until someone visits rather than call and ‘trouble’ us.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” my mum said once, after struggling with the washing machine for days.

That’s where AI tools like Copilot come in. They’re not just for productivity—they’re for dignity. They empower our elders to do things on their own, to stay curious, and to feel capable.

Other Ways Technology Can Help

• Voice assistants for reminders and medication schedules

• Smart home devices for lighting, safety, and comfort

• Wearables for health monitoring and emergency alerts

• Video calling tools with simplified interfaces

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a tech review. It’s a personal story. But I believe stories like these are how we normalize the use of AI in caregiving. If you have aging parents or relatives, consider introducing them to tools like Copilot. It might take a little patience, but the rewards—in confidence, safety, and connection—are worth it.

And to my mum: you’re still the sharpest person I know. I’m just glad Copilot can help you stay that way.