Getting a ride is as easy as opening an app and pushing a few buttons. But, wonder if you don't have a smart phone like the 70% of people ages 65 and older? A service is changing the way you order Uber and Lyft and it has helped one Omaha man regain his independence.
For Bob Larson getting a ride is as easy as pushing a few buttons on his touch tone phone.
"With Uber I can do whatever I want to do and go wherever I want to go," said Bob Larson.
Yes, the 91-year-old uses the ride share service Uber. Larson's Uber experience is the same as yours and mine, the only difference is he doesn't use a cell phone.
The concept of using a landline to request an Uber or a Lyft was created by Justin Boogaard of California. He came up with the idea after moving in with is grandma after college.
GoGoGrandparent gives Larson and seniors like him independence. Lynda King, Larson's daughter says her dad was hesitant at first.
"He was worried are they going to come? How long is it going to take? Are they going to know where I'm going," said King.
Larson quickly caught on. All he has to do is dial a 1-800 number. He has preset pick-up and drop-off locations and if he wants to go anywhere different he can talk directly to an operator. Five hundred Uber rides later, he is sold.
"I love them, I love the people who pick me up," said Larson.
With text message alerts, King always knows where her dad is.
"They tell me the driver's name, what he is driving and his phone number," said King.
The best part of GoGoGrandparent is when Larson gave up driving six months ago. He didn't have to give up the things he loves like volunteering at Methodist hospital.
"I think it honestly keeps him healthy, happy and it keeps him alive," said King.
You can also call GoGoGrandparent from a cell phone. There is an oversight fee added per minute from the time you call, to when you get dropped off. But, Larson says the cost is still much less than taking a cab.
To learn more about Boogaard and his co-funder David Lung's company head to gogograndparent.com
