Over the past decade, everyday services have moved into apps.

Want a ride somewhere? Use an app.
Need groceries delivered? Use an app.
Want dinner brought to your door? Use an app.

For millions of Americans, this shift has made life more convenient.

But for many older adults, it has created a new barrier.

The modern “app economy” often assumes that everyone owns a smartphone, knows how to download apps, and feels comfortable navigating constantly changing technology.

That assumption leaves a lot of people behind.

The World Is Built for Smartphones

Today, many services are designed primarily for smartphones.

Ride services like Uber and Lyft are requested through apps.
Grocery and meal deliveries are ordered through apps.
Even basic tasks like scheduling services or managing accounts often require logging into an online platform.

For people who grew up using this technology, the process feels normal.

But for older adults who did not spend decades using smartphones, these systems can feel confusing or overwhelming.

In fact, a large share of older Americans still do not rely on smartphones at all. Many prefer traditional phones or simpler devices.

The Problem Isn’t Just Technology

When people talk about the digital divide, they often focus on whether someone owns a smartphone.

But the issue goes deeper than that.

Many older adults may technically have a smartphone but still find apps difficult to use.

Small text, complex menus, passwords, and constant updates can make even simple tasks feel frustrating.

Some people also worry about security, scams, or accidentally pressing the wrong button.

For others, the issue is physical.

Conditions like arthritis, vision changes, memory challenges, or dexterity limitations can make it harder to navigate touchscreens.

Because of these challenges, many older adults simply prefer systems that are easier and more familiar.

A Simple Question Sparked an Idea

The idea behind GoGoGrandparent began with a simple question.

Founder Justin Boogaard was living with his grandmother when she asked him for Uber’s phone number so she could request a ride.

The problem was that Uber didn’t have a phone number.

Like many modern services, it required a smartphone app.

Instead of telling her it wasn’t possible, Boogaard started thinking about a workaround.

What if someone could call a phone number and access those same services?

That simple idea eventually became GoGoGrandparent.

The goal was not to reinvent transportation or delivery services — it was to make them accessible to people who didn’t use apps.

Technology Should Work for People

When Justin Boogaard has spoken about the service in interviews, he often emphasizes a simple idea: technology should adapt to people, not the other way around.

GoGoGrandparent allows customers to access rides, grocery deliveries, meals, medication delivery, and other services with a simple phone call.

Instead of downloading an app, users can call a number and request help.

The system connects with existing services like Uber, Lyft, and delivery platforms behind the scenes.

This approach allows older adults to benefit from modern services without needing to navigate the apps themselves.

The App Economy Wasn’t Built With Seniors in Mind

Most technology companies design products for younger users who are already comfortable with smartphones.

But older adults are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States.

Many want to remain active, independent, and connected to their communities.

Yet when services move entirely into apps, those same people can suddenly find themselves excluded.

A person who no longer drives may need transportation more than anyone else.

But if the only way to request that transportation is through an app they can’t easily use, the system doesn’t work for them.

Independence Often Depends on Mobility

Transportation is one of the biggest factors that determines whether someone can remain independent as they age.

If someone can still get to doctor appointments, grocery stores, social activities, and errands, they can often continue living independently for much longer.

But if transportation becomes difficult, everyday life becomes harder.

That’s why services that simplify access to transportation and deliveries can make a meaningful difference.

In some cases, they allow older adults to continue living in their own homes instead of moving into assisted living earlier than they would prefer.

Bridging the Gap

As the population ages, more communities are recognizing the need to make modern services accessible to people who are not comfortable with smartphone apps.

Some cities and agencies are partnering with services that help older adults request rides or deliveries by phone.

Others are developing programs specifically focused on transportation and aging.

The goal is not to eliminate technology.

It’s to make sure technology works for everyone.

The Future of Accessible Technology

The app economy will continue to grow.

But there is also growing awareness that accessibility matters.

Designing systems that work for people of different ages, abilities, and technology experience levels is becoming increasingly important.

For millions of older adults, the ability to make a simple phone call can still be the easiest and most reliable way to get things done.

And sometimes, the simplest solution is the one that helps the most people.