Managing multiple health conditions and medications is no easy task, especially as we age. Forgetting appointments, struggling to understand medical jargon in after-visit summaries, and keeping track of complex medication schedules can quickly become overwhelming. Imagine a friendly voice assistant stepping in to offer personalized support. That’s exactly the focus of new research exploring how voice assistants could transform health self-management for older adults. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a multi-stage design process that began with in-home interviews. The goal was to learn first-hand how older adults experience healthcare, identifying pain points and usability barriers in traditional methods. They found two critical breakdowns: health awareness (understanding medical information) and medical adherence (managing medications and appointments). From there, the researchers set out to develop an LLM-powered voice assistant, similar to Alexa or Siri, but far more personalized. It’s capable of debriefing patients on their after-visit summaries, answering specific health questions, and creating customized medication reminders, adapting to their daily routines. They tested three distinct medication reminder design approaches, ranging from basic default reminders to personalized prompts based on individual routines. In co-design workshops, older adults got to try out a high-fidelity prototype. Many preferred the assistants that were more personalized, with context-aware prompts and reminders that integrated seamlessly with their daily schedules. An important discussion point was the idea of adopting these assistive technologies *before* they become strictly necessary. Getting comfortable with a voice assistant during a period of good cognitive health, even if just for occasional support, sets the stage for greater independence later, as cognitive abilities potentially change. The research revealed the complexities of introducing new technology to older adults, with existing comfort levels and external support (or lack thereof) playing a crucial role in adoption. While the initial in-home validation study focused on immediate usability and task completion, larger longitudinal studies are planned to explore the long-term effects of voice assistants on overall health awareness and medication adherence. This research hints at a future where technology helps us age more gracefully, empowering us to take control of our health and maintain independence. The key lies in creating systems that are deeply personalized, intuitive, and—perhaps most importantly—integrated into our lives before the need becomes overwhelming.