Seniors have a new way get around town with Uber

Move over drunken 20-somethings. There's a new group of people requesting an Uber: seniors.

The on-demand car service has partnered with grandPad, a tablet designed for seniors. grandPad is a private network that allows seniors to video chat, send voice emails, play games, listen to music, share photos and stay in touch with family. Uber will offer an application protocol interface for the grandPad platform.

"This integration with Uber will open new possibilities for millions of seniors," says Scott Lien, CEO of grandPad in a press release. "Our technology solutions already help seniors become more connected. Now they can use our platform and Uber to get around town. The ensuing freedom and independence has the potential to be extraordinarily empowering."

Transportation poses a challenge to the more than 15.5 million Americans age 65 and up who have poor or nonexistent public transit options. AARP & American Public Transportations report more than 20 percent of Americans age 65 and up don’t drive.

"Uber's ridesharing technology offers seniors a safe, easy-to-use and affordable way to get around," says Christopher Ballard, general manager of Uber Southern California. "We believe this integration is another example of how technology can open up new possibilities for seniors by helping them lead more mobile and independent lives."

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.