By San José, Costa Rica — In a direct response to Costa Rica’s shifting demographics, ride-sharing giant Uber has introduced a new feature aimed at enhancing the mobility and independence of the nation’s senior citizens. The new “Senior Accounts” function seeks to bridge the digital divide for a population segment that is increasingly active but may face challenges with modern app-based technologies.
The initiative arrives at a crucial time. According to data from the National Council for the Elderly Person (CONAPAM), Costa Rica is home to over 600,000 older adults. As this population grows, ensuring they can remain connected, independent, and active is a key factor for their overall well-being. Simple tasks like attending medical appointments, visiting family, or running errands can become logistical hurdles, impacting their quality of life.
To understand the legal and regulatory challenges facing new transportation platforms aimed at the elderly, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The core legal challenge for an ‘Uber for Seniors’ model lies in its classification. It operates in a gray area between a simple technology platform and a specialized care service. Companies must proactively address heightened liability, ensuring driver training goes beyond navigation to include basic sensitivity and emergency protocols. Failure to establish a higher duty of care not only poses significant legal risks but also undermines the trust essential for serving a vulnerable population.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the core issue; this legal “gray area” is precisely where the service’s success or failure will be determined. Establishing a higher duty of care is not merely a legal safeguard but the foundational element for building the essential trust our senior community deserves.
Uber’s new feature, integrated within its existing “Family Profile” system, is designed to simplify this process. It allows a family member or caregiver to create and manage a specialized Uber account on behalf of an older adult. This designated organizer can request rides, handle payments, and monitor the trip’s progress in real-time, providing peace of mind for both the passenger and their loved ones.
The development of the feature was a deliberate process, involving months of research and collaboration with accessibility experts and seniors themselves. The goal was to create an experience that felt intuitive and secure, rather than intimidating.
With this new function, we redesigned the experience from the ground up so that older adults can move with greater ease and security, while at the same time preserving their independence
Manuela Bedoya, Safety Communications Manager for Uber in the Andean, Caribbean, and Central America region
The user interface for the senior’s account has been significantly streamlined. It features larger icons, cleaner screens, and a reduced number of steps required to request a ride. A key practical addition is the ability to save frequently visited locations, such as a doctor’s office, a local pharmacy, or a relative’s home, allowing for one-tap trip requests. This design philosophy acknowledges that what is convenient for a younger, tech-savvy user might be a barrier for someone less familiar with smartphone applications.
Payment flexibility is another core component. The family organizer can link their own credit card to the senior’s account, removing the need for the older adult to manage digital payments or carry specific amounts of cash. Alternatively, the senior’s own payment method can be configured if they prefer. This dual approach respects varying levels of comfort with financial technology while ensuring the service remains accessible.
For caregivers, the real-time tracking feature is paramount. From the moment the ride is accepted, the organizer can view the vehicle’s exact location on a map, see the driver’s details, and receive notifications upon arrival. This oversight is designed to provide an added layer of security and allows the caregiver to assist remotely if any issues arise, ensuring their loved one reaches their destination safely.
Setting up an account is a straightforward process initiated by the caregiver. Within their own Uber app, they navigate to the Family Profile, select the option to add a new member, and send an invitation to the senior. If the older adult does not yet have the app, the invitation includes a link to download it. Uber encourages families to complete the setup together, providing an opportunity to walk through the simplified interface and ensure the senior feels comfortable and confident using the service on their own.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc. is a global technology company that offers services including ride-hailing, food delivery (Uber Eats), package delivery, and freight transportation. The company’s mission is to create opportunity through movement, developing technology that connects people with transportation, goods, and services in cities around the world. Headquartered in San Francisco, Uber operates in over 70 countries and 10,000 cities worldwide, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of urban mobility.
For further information, visit conapam.go.cr
About Consejo Nacional para la Persona Adulta Mayor (CONAPAM):
The National Council for the Elderly Person (CONAPAM) is the governing body for public policies related to senior citizens in Costa Rica. Established by law, its purpose is to protect the rights of the elderly population, promote their well-being, and foster an inclusive society that values their contributions. The council works to create and implement programs and regulations that guarantee seniors access to health, housing, recreation, and social integration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar in the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by its profound dedication to ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm leverages a rich legacy of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal approaches. Its core mission, however, transcends traditional practice, focusing on the social responsibility of demystifying the law to foster a society that is not only well-informed but also truly empowered by its legal understanding.
