Senior assistance company Papa is partnering with Uber Health to provide transportation and decrease social isolation among seniors.

Papa offers companions, called Papa Pals, that can help older adults with everyday tasks like shopping or household chores. The collaboration with Uber will allow Papa’s care team to work with Pals and seniors to get rides to medical appointments and other events, and find transportation for running errands.

"Too often, older adult populations are limited by barriers to care, whether it is due to transportation access or feelings of isolation from their communities and loved ones," Caitlin Donovan, global head of Uber Health, said in a statement.

"Uber Health is uniquely positioned to provide its logistics platform and technology to make requesting transportation or deliveries easier for Papa members and Papa Pals. We're proud to work with Papa to address the chronic needs of vulnerable populations and their companions, and in turn, improve long-term health outcomes."

WHY IT MATTERS

Papa and Uber Health are positioning their partnership as a way to combat loneliness and social isolation among seniors. 

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found nearly one-fourth of adults age 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. That can have serious health risks including increasing risk of premature death and dementia.

Transportation generally can be a challenge for older adults, especially if they can’t drive. A 2018 survey by the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center found 68% of adults ages 60 and older said it would be difficult to find alternative transportation options if they were to stop driving.

"Our national Uber Health partnership is about so much more than getting from A to B," Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of Papa, said in a statement. "Companionship is a critical component to a successful transportation ride, especially for older adults. Together we are able to help members with rides while providing a great social interaction and assistance. It's the perfect synergy."

THE LARGER TREND

Last month, Papa announced a partnership with digital health tracking platform Milliman HealthIO, where Pals could help set up the Milliman app and remote monitoring devices. 

In April, the company announced a $60 million Series C funding round, coming about six months after an $18 million Series B.

Meanwhile Uber Health in 2020 launched a partnership with digital prescription platform NimbleRx to offer prescription delivery. 

Senior care is a popular space for digital health. Last week, Best Buy moved deeper into the senior care space after it signed an agreement to acquire remote monitoring and home care company Current Health.

Amazon has also bolstered its remote monitoring and assistance offering through its Alexa Together service, announced in late September.