In 2017, AARP — the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older — announced GoGoGrandparent as the Judge’s Choice Winner in the Caregiving Health Technology category at its Innovation@50+ LivePitch event.
This recognition marked a major milestone in GoGo’s journey to make life easier, safer, and more connected for older adults and caregivers everywhere.
The Innovation@50+ LivePitch Event
AARP’s Innovation@50+ LivePitch is a two-day pitch competition highlighting innovative startups serving the 50+ community.
Each year, entrepreneurs present caregiving, health, and financial technology solutions to investors, experts, and consumers. The 2017 event featured keynote speakers Jo Ann Jenkins (AARP CEO) and Jean Chatzky (NBC’s TODAY Show), alongside discussions led by MSNBC’s Richard Lui and Alexandra Drane on the challenges and opportunities of caregiving.
The Caregiving Health Technology judges included:
- Ambar Bhattacharyya, Maverick Capital
- Missy Krasner, Box
- Alexander Anthony Morgan, Khosla Ventures
- Lynne Chou O’Keefe, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
You can view the full list of judges on the Innovation@50+ website.
GoGoGrandparent’s Winning Pitch
During the LivePitch event, GoGoGrandparent Co-founders Justin Boogaard and David Lung presented their mission to help older adults age in place through on-demand transportation.
“There are 12 million seniors who feel trapped in their own homes,” Justin explained. “Public transit is unreliable, taxis are expensive, and families often live far away. Uber and Lyft could be perfect — if not for two major barriers: technology and management. That’s where GoGoGrandparent comes in.”
GoGo was created to remove those barriers. Older adults could simply call one phone number and press:
- 1 to get picked up from home
- 2 to get picked up from where they were last dropped off
- 0 to speak with an operator
GoGo’s team — now known as GoGoGuardians — monitored every ride, filtered cars based on reliability and assistance level, and alerted family members when rides were completed safely.
“One out of four rides still requires an operator to step in,” Justin shared. “That means without GoGo, many older adults would be left waiting without help.”
At the time, GoGo charged 19¢ per minute for its stewardship service — a small price compared to traditional taxis or hiring a caregiver. That pitch earned GoGo the Judge’s Choice Award and a standing ovation for its human-centered approach to technology.
GoGoGrandparent in 2025: Evolving the Vision
Fast forward to today, and GoGoGrandparent’s mission has expanded far beyond rides.
What began in 2017 as a simple phone-based rideshare bridge has grown into a nationwide membership platform that helps older adults live independently, safely, and joyfully — all through one trusted service.
GoGo is now membership-based, offering personalized support, monitoring, and access to seven key services that meet seniors’ everyday needs:
- GoGoRides – Safe, reliable rides powered by Uber and Lyft, available 24/7.
- GoGoGroceries – Simple grocery ordering and delivery by phone.
- GoGoGourmet – Delicious takeout and meal delivery with dietary monitoring.
- GoGoPrescriptions – Prescription delivery from local pharmacies.
- GoGoHomeServices – Trusted, vetted home professionals for cleaning, landscaping, and repairs.
- GoGoCare – Compassionate in-home caregiving and personal assistance.
- Grow with GoGo – Free fitness classes for members, including Chair Yoga and Functional Fitness on YouTube.
Each service includes a small concierge fee for personalized coordination and monitoring, except Grow with GoGo, which remains free for all members.
The stewardship rate is now 27¢ per minute, reflecting enhanced technology, live monitoring, and 24/7 support.
From helping one grandmother get home from Coco’s Diner to serving tens of thousands of members across the U.S., GoGo continues to fulfill its founding promise — helping families stay connected and ensuring older adults can live life on their own terms.
Why This Recognition Still Matters
GoGo’s recognition by AARP in 2017 was more than an award — it was a turning point for how technology serves aging adults.
It validated that innovation for older adults doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it just takes the right blend of empathy, reliability, and human support.
Today, that same spirit drives every part of GoGoGrandparent — from live customer support to family dashboards and free wellness programs that make independence possible for longer.
Stay Connected with GoGoGrandparent
Explore how GoGo supports independence through transportation, meal delivery, home services, and more.
Visit gogograndparent.com/register/choose to join today and experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are supported — wherever life takes them.
