[Misc] Giving up your seat for the elderly

Herr Tubthumper · Jun 6, 2022

I probably offer my seat on the tram/bus to an eldery bod once a month or so but I cannot remember the last time someone accepted my gesture. Have old people become more resilient? Are they more proud? Stonger pins? What gives?

(just to clarify, it's on a as-needs basis; I do not ration my offer to once a month)

pasty · Jun 6, 2022

I often do it when necessary on the tube and have found the same thing as you, the offer is usually declined.

What has befuddled me recently that I have noticed a marked increase in, is adults giving up seats so children can sit down on the tube. Balls to that!

thedonkeycentrehalf · Jun 6, 2022

As someone of similar age, maybe it is time to realise that we are getting on a bit and they don't consider us as young people

.

schmunk · Jun 6, 2022

Herr Tubthumper said:
I probably offer my seat on the tram/bus...

Herr Tubthumper · Jun 6, 2022

pasty said:
What has befuddled me recently that I have noticed a marked increase in, is adults giving up seats so children can sit down on the tube. Balls to that!

Agree. **** that.

Robinjakarta · Jun 6, 2022

pasty said:
I often do it when necessary on the tube and have found the same thing as you, the offer is usually declined.

What has befuddled me recently that I have noticed a marked increase in, is adults giving up seats so children can sit down on the tube. Balls to that!

That's normal in Thailand and other parts of Asia, and yes, balls to that!

Happy Exile · Jun 6, 2022

pasty said:
I often do it when necessary on the tube and have found the same thing as you, the offer is usually declined.

What has befuddled me recently that I have noticed a marked increase in, is adults giving up seats so children can sit down on the tube. Balls to that!

Saw a bit of rage on the tube a couple of weeks ago where a lady working on her laptop was asked to give up her seat for a child of maybe 6 years old. When she refused the mother of the child ranted about how selfish she was, saying she would sit, the child on her lap, so two people got a seat instead of just one person. Amazing.

kentgully · Jun 6, 2022

Depends what is considered old, I'm 66 and would offer my seat, i don't consider my self old in the slightest.

Swansman · Jun 6, 2022

I always try to but it is indeed usually refused. I get incredibly annoyed when I see no one offering their place when some oldie is standing up however, makes my blood boil. Even if it is often refused, its a thing that should be done.

In my teens I also used to try to give up my seat for women whatever the age until society informed me that the 50s had ended 50 years ago.

Official Old Man · Jun 6, 2022

kentgully said:
Depends what is considered old, I'm 66 and would offer my seat, i don't consider my self old in the slightest.

This. On a train only last week and the only 'good' seats were those signposted for those who need them. I didn't sit there but got annoyed when another young couple took the seats.

Thunder Bolt · Jun 6, 2022

I accept every time so please keep offering. I have had a steroid injection into my left ankle to help with the osteoarthritis I have in the calcaneal cuboid joint. but it's only temporary.

Perfidious Albion · Jun 6, 2022

Official Old Man said:
This. On a train only last week and the only 'good' seats were those signposted for those who need them. I didn't sit there but got annoyed when another young couple took the seats.

It is not so much your age but your fitness that counts. Like the poster above, I was fit and well up to age 70, then it went downhill. Walking with a stick or now a frame, I would be glad if someone offered me a seat. Mind you, I have not taken a bus lately.

Petunia · Jun 6, 2022

Thunder Bolt said:
I accept every time so please keep offering. I have had a steroid injection into my left ankle to help with the osteoarthritis I have in the calcaneal cuboid joint. but it's only temporary.

I too always graciously accept.

When I arrived in the UK last week I had to catch a train to the West Country with a pretty heavy suitcase. I was very pleased to receive offers to lift it both on and off the train at each end. Another act of kindness that was much appreciated after more than 40 hours travelling

maltaseagull · Jun 6, 2022

Official Old Man said:
This. On a train only last week and the only 'good' seats were those signposted for those who need them. I didn't sit there but got annoyed when another young couple took the seats.

That is very annoying. We have seats designated for the elderly etc which are nearly always occupied by young, fit people who clearly cannot read the signs.

Cadiz Seagull · Jun 6, 2022

Speaking as an oldie (76), assuming it's a fairly short journey I'd decline an offer of a seat as I prefer to stand. That way I don't have the hassle of getting up again from a seat

drew · Jun 6, 2022

kentgully said:
Depends what is considered old, I'm 66 and would offer my seat, i don't consider my self old in the slightest.

Entirely this. I'll give up my seat for pregnant women and people that clearly need to be able to sit whether they are young or old. Not just because they may appear old and have a few grey hairs!!

Gabbafella · Jun 6, 2022

I pat my thighs and give a cheeky wink. Why shouldn't we both get something out of it?

rool · Jun 6, 2022

I always did especially for anyone pregnant, elderly and a little unstable or anyone with obvious injuries.
I left London around 6 years ago when I was in my early 50s and was surprised to have been offered a seat by a teenage lad one day. I politely declined but had a little chuckle to myself as I had never considered myself as being old until then.

Boys 9d · Jun 6, 2022

When offered a seat, I generally gratefully accept. However if my journey is very short I may decline. My reasoning being that in a crowded situation the person giving up the seat may end up continuing to stand while some other person grabs it when I vacate.

Boroseagull · Jun 6, 2022

As a 76 year old (today as it happens) I've been offered a seat 3 times on the bus, but I've smiled and said no politely working on the basis that if I can still stand for 30 mins I will. However I like the manners of the younger Spanish generation who are far more aware and respectful to us not such young ones.

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