Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, humans are living longer than ever. Many older Americans are fortunate to have adult children or other relatives who can keep them company on a daily basis. But what about those who are childless, or whose families live many miles away? Folks who prefer to continue to live on their own, but who would appreciate a little companionship and assistance?

Florida entrepreneur Andrew Parker has one solution — Papa, a service he describes as “Grandkids on Demand.”

Named for Parker’s beloved grandfather, Papa is a service that matches college students with seniors to assist them with basic chores, drive them to appointments, or just sit and lament the demise of the sacrifice bunt while watching a baseball game.

Need help with the remote control? Let a tech-savvy student patiently guide you through it. Papa Pals can also set up tablets and smartphones for clients, and show them how to connect with their family and friends.

Or drive them to the grocery store. Or help them load and unload their bags. Or bring them to the doctor and keep them company in the waiting room.

Papa Pals can set up tablets and smartphones for clients, and show them how to connect with family and friends.

Papa Pals are fully vetted college students, many of whom are majoring in nursing or social work, but all of whom have passed a background check and expressed an interest in working with “surrogate grandparents.”

For more information, you can visit Papa’s website.