A few months ago, Dennis Lindberg, a 79-year-old real estate broker in Gresham, Oregon, found himself at home all the time — and “driving his wife crazy,” he says now — due to a recent economic slowdown. “My wife loves being retired,” he says. “I can’t even spell the word.”
Dennis could easily have become socially isolated, as one-third of older adults purport to be, according to a 2023 survey from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. But a friend recommended Dennis try driving with Lyft. He said, “Think of it as 25 amazing conversations.” A self-described extrovert, Dennis took the bait.
His riders have included locals and tourists, and even one Hell’s Angel. “As an old guy who watches too much news, I thought everybody hated everybody,” confesses Dennis. “But I’ve had almost 1,300 people in my car, and they’ve all been wonderful, lovely, respectful. That’s the part that lights me up.”
The feeling is mutual: Dennis has been “favorited,” a new feature that means Lyft riders are more likely to get their driver again, by 286 customers. That tally not only makes him the most favorited driver in Oregon, but among the top five in the country. He’s earned these rave reviews and favorites, despite never asking for them, for his affability and attire (he dresses professionally, in a button-down). And, most of all, for his conversation. As one rider wrote in their trip feedback: “It was such a pleasure talking with Dennis.… Thanks for the authentic human connection!”
After all, older adults aren’t the only ones who feel increasingly disconnected from their communities. A 2025 study conducted by Stanford researchers found that almost three-quarters of Americans report that they “get together with people they care about face-to-face only twice a month or less.” Dennis is not only helping catalyze those needed in-person interactions, but he’s also offering genuine, delightful conversation along the way.
Dennis’s advice to other drivers hoping to spark those connections is simple: Talk about what’s natural, starting with driving itself. “At that point, conversations start because you’ve shared something. There’s a law of reciprocity that says, if I give something to you, you’re much more inclined to give something back to me.” Dennis certainly feels he’s gained far more than he ever hoped: Driving has not only meant dozens of daily social interactions, as his friend promised, but also deeper connections with the community around him.
Plus, it’s just a good time. “It’s almost unfair that they pay me because I have so much fun,” says Dennis.
