Inspiration

I was inspired to create SeniorGo after realizing how many seniors struggle to get around due to a lack of free and safe transportation. This hit home when my elderly neighbor from South Korea decided to move back because he couldn’t easily travel to appointments or the grocery store. I wanted to build something that could help seniors remain independent and connected to their communities.

What it does

-SeniorGo is a community-based transportation app that connects senior citizens who need rides with verified local volunteers who offer free transportation. Seniors can request rides to nearby destinations—like hospitals, grocery stores, and community centers—and even schedule recurring rides for regular trips such as weekly medical appointments or grocery runs.

A unique group code system allows seniors to connect only with trusted volunteers, family members, or community organizations. For example, a senior can join a “Community Center” or “Church Group” using a shared code, ensuring that their rides are always handled by familiar and verified volunteers.

How we built it

-I built SeniorGo using a secure, scalable, and cloud-connected architecture designed for accessibility and reliability.

Frontend: Developed in React Native with Expo, providing a cross-platform experience for Android and iOS. The UI was designed for seniors, focusing on large buttons, clear text, and simple navigation.

Backend: Built with Flask (Python) to handle authentication, ride management, scheduling (including recurring rides), and group code verification.

Database: Implemented with Amazon DynamoDB, a fast, serverless NoSQL database for managing users, ride data, and recurring ride schedules.

Mapping and location: Google Maps API is used for location tracking

Challenges we ran into

Designing the group code feature to be both flexible and private for community-based matching.

Structuring recurring ride data efficiently within DynamoDB without introducing performance bottlenecks.

Managing data consistency and time zones for recurring ride schedules and reminders.

Ensuring accessibility—creating an intuitive interface that seniors can use comfortably.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Developed a fully functional cross-platform app that connects seniors and volunteers in real time.

Successfully implemented the recurring ride scheduling feature, allowing seniors to plan consistent trips effortlessly.

Created the unique group code system, enhancing safety and community trust.

Integrated Flask and DynamoDB for seamless, real-time data flow.

Built a senior-friendly interface that balances accessibility, safety, and simplicity.

What we learned

How to design for accessibility and trust, especially for older users.

How to integrate React Native, Flask, and DynamoDB into a unified, cloud-based system.

The complexity of implementing recurring scheduling systems with automatic reminders and time zone management.

The value of combining community-driven design with real-world usability testing.

What's next for SeniorGo

Expand the group code system: Enable organizations like senior centers, churches, and retirement communities to manage their own volunteer groups and generate unique codes for trusted members.

Enhance recurring rides: Add smart AI-based suggestions that automatically detect frequently visited locations and offer to set them as recurring rides.

Voice assistance: Integrate voice control so seniors can request or manage rides hands-free.

Volunteer verification: Partner with community organizations to verify volunteer identities and add visible trust badges.

Community partnerships: Collaborate with nonprofits, city programs, and healthcare providers to expand SeniorGo across regions.

(Please note that all of my code is in the master branch of my GitHub repositories)

Share this project:

Updates