This account comes from an interview with Nanik Tagore, 22, a recent graduate and founder of a private training and coaching business in San Francisco. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I am half-Indian, and younger people in South Asian countries grow up with strong respect for their elders.

There is an expectation of service, from listening to tales of their earlier years to simple tasks like carrying groceries from the car.

This sense of duty influenced my choice to join JoeyCo, an app that pairs college students looking for housing with older landlords called hosts.

The students, called Joeys after young kangaroos in their mothers pouches, pay low rent for their room. They also receive an hourly wage to help with companionship or chores such as gardening.

I met with a couple who have taken me into their home. They are Robert Miller, 70, founder and CEO of a pet wellness company, and his wife, Paige, 72, a retired mental health worker.

Paige, diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2023, requires extra support with transport and meal prep. I assist her for about 10 hours each week.

We plan the week ahead

Pay rates differ among Joeys, but they started me at $25 an hour when I moved in as a college sophomore in August 2024. The rate rose to $30 per hour in my second year.

My rent for a bedroom, private bathroom, and kitchenette is $1,750 monthly. I usually recover $1,200 through the work. A studio apartment in San Francisco often runs around $2,800 a month.

We hold a weekly look-ahead meeting to review the schedule, which fits around my work, sports, or studies. Tasks may include taking Paige to see friends, shop, or visit the bank.

Robert uses the time for respite and to handle his demanding job.

One of Paiges favorite outings is a long drive to enjoy the views from the window. She is often quiet, yet we share pleasant talks as well.

I prepare a light meal for her at times, such as a sandwich or salad.

The setup suits everyone, especially with clear limits on duties. I am not required to work beyond 10 hours weekly, and extra time is compensated.

The agency serves as an intermediary

By law, I cannot act as a full carer, such as helping Paige with bathroom needs or handling her medication.

JoeyCo, which charges hosts $299 monthly for services including background checks and vetting, steps in if issues cannot be resolved at home.

I graduated in May and have no plans to return to Sacramento, California, where I was raised. I intend to remain with the Millers at least through the end of the year.

People often wonder if living with an older couple is challenging. I recall my first night, hearing footsteps upstairs and thinking my roommates were strangers and the situation felt odd.

Yet I adjusted quickly. I am thankful to avoid the main issue many young people face: securing affordable housing.

I have made valuable contacts

Hosts who value the added income from Joeys tend to be open-minded professionals or former professionals with strong networks. Robert and Paige have connected me with some of their business contacts.

I support intergenerational living and aim to challenge the idea that Gen Z and boomers cannot get along.