I always thought I would want to cry the first time someone offered me a seat on public transport. I did not think it would happen so soon either. But for the past couple of years I have regularly been offered seats on public transport in Stockholm. All I think is ‘ooooh cool, a seat!’ I enjoy the luxury of resting my weary bones on a bus or train seat while most people had to stand.
I am still working full time and I am 5 years from retirement but I notice I am much more tired at the end of the days and weeks. I walk about 12 000 steps a day but I do notice those steps these days. My bag is not so heavy these days because I have downsized, but I do feel it.
In South Africa though, things were on another level. Partly because the retirement age is so much lower than in Sweden, and partly because of culture. People seem to take care of the elderly more and have more respect for older people. The state does far less for people, while the community does far more.
I was offered designated parking spots for ‘senior citizens’ and ‘elderly’. I was given menus for the senior citizen specials. And I was offered pensioners discount (5%) in supermarkets. I did not say no to any of it. Getting older sucks but there are advantages.
My bonus mother (90) has people offer to carry her shopping basket or push her trolley. They open the car door for her. She can park right outside the front door. People help her. You would never see that in Sweden because the public probably thinks that if you needed help, the municipality would provide you with personal assistance.
It’s very rare to be offered a seat on public transport here, the only time someone has done that for me was when I felt dizzy and must have looked super pale. Needless to say it was another pensioner who offered me her seat, the youngsters were too engrossed in their phones to notice, or care.
I agree 100%, never thought of myself as aging but I sure did and it crept up on so fast that now I’m shocked every time I see a passing image of me with gray hair and wrinkles. There are perks – my taxes are lower and people are kinder and much more considerate. But I’m also softer round the edges – wear and tear I guess. Enjoy it Ma’m!
goodness: designated parking spaces for senior citizens: you don’t get that here; nor do people stand for you in public transport unless you are clearly infirm; though we do get senior discounts in many places —