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Things You Shouldn't Say to a Senior
By Mary McGrath
It’s funny how as you get older, you begin to disappear. I remember the days when I used to turn heads, and sometimes those advances were welcomed, and sometimes they weren’t.
I still turn heads from time to time but I think it’s mainly when people want to make sure that I am not going to plow into them in the parking lot or when I’m getting ready to make a lane change.
There are certain things that you shouldn’t say to an older person. They’re just insulting. Here are some of the things I’ve heard.
Speaking Louder:
Sometimes I notice that clerks at the store speak louder to me than they do to younger customers. I guess they assume I have a hearing loss. That may well be, but you shouldn’t assume that a customer is partially deaf.
Grocery Help:
Can I help you out with your groceries? This hasn’t happened in a while because Aldi and Walmart require you to bag your own groceries. But it used to happen fairly regularly in Los Angeles.
Opening the Door:
I always appreciate this, but I don’t know if it’s just general manners because I’m a female or because I am older. Still, I will take it.
Senior Discount:
Would you like the senior discount? I guess this sums it up. Is it my hair? The age spots all over my hands and legs? I like a bargain like everyone else, but sometimes it’s a bit insulting.
Speaking Slowly:
People speak more slowly. As if I have some sort of learning disorder, so they slow down the pace of their instructions, hoping that I will get it on the first time.
Age Clarification:
Are you over 65? This one is the worst. I like to think that I still look like I’m in my 50s, but I think that only happens if somebody doesn’t have on their reading glasses.
— Mary McGrath
Mary McGrath writes from Los Angeles, and Naples, Florida. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Newsweek, The National Lampoon, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Purple Clover, Medium.com, Los Angeles Times and Good Housekeeping. Her motto: "Life is tough. You might as well laugh about it."