How Free Lyft Rides Can Dramatically Improve Life for Seniors

Scientists at the University of Southern California's (USC) 2018 Body Computing Conference demonstrated how unlimited free Lyft rides can improve quality of life for seniors, reports Fast Company . In conjunction with UnitedHealthcare, the AARP Foundation allocated $1 million to USC Keck School of Medicine to test the effect of free Lyft rides on the health of senior USC beneficiaries within the greater Los Angeles area. Lyft gave 150 participants wearable devices to track behavior patterns as well as offered app-use training, while a concierge-style phone number was provided for pickups, in case subjects were uncomfortable with smartphones. Subjects had unlimited Lyft ride access to whatever they needed, with a strong emphasis on doctor's appointments. Forty-nine percent of participants needed access to internal medicine specialists, while 26 percent needed access to surgery or surgical followups. Others visited pain management therapists, cancer specialists, and psychiatrists. By tracking 4,806 free Lyft rides, researchers found that subjects took an average of one ride a day, ranging at about $20 for an average of 14 miles. Preliminary findings noted a 35 percent increase in activity from baseline to ride access. Ninety percent of participants said the free rides had a "positive impact" on their quality of life, and they also started going out more.