When you see people struggling do you offer them assistance?
By laydlexius
@laydlexius (133)
United States
August 4, 2007 5:01am CST
I saw this senior male at the store, looked like he was about 70+ and he was walking pretty bad. It looked as if he was going to fall down. I wanted to help but we were about to leave and I had my babies with me, my mom didn't want me to get out of the car because he was a stranger. I mean I am 24 but a stranger was going through my mind at the time. I wonder if the elderly would like more assistance from the younger generation or would they feel offended by the offer. Alot of times they say they don't need any help or they have it under control. I just wonder if they let their pride get in the way or get the best of them. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
3 people like this
6 responses
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
4 Aug 07
Hi laydelexius,
That was very thoughtful of you.We need more people like that in the world.I would have done the same thing if i would have saw the man and nobody else was around.Whenever i see an elderly walking with a cane,walker or in a wheelchair i make sure i hold the door to make sure they get in without any problems.I think some may say they dont need any help is because they want to feel indepedent and dont want any pity.Atleast you know you have offered your help.
1 person likes this
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
4 Aug 07
laydlexius (I spelled your name wrong)
1 person likes this
@laydlexius (133)
• United States
4 Aug 07
I appreciate the response. I was raised to respect my elders so its automatic to have a concern for them when they are not at their best or even if they are right there bouncing around in good health. Oh well, I might just be a sucker for happiness! LOL!!!
1 person likes this
@sexymuma (1261)
•
4 Aug 07
its hard to tell some old people would love help in carrying things ,but others will be far more independant and not want any help,all you can do as a person is offer your assisstance but do not feel put off if they refuse as they feel that they are not ready to give up on life just yet.;)xx
1 person likes this
@laydlexius (133)
• United States
4 Aug 07
Yes, that is true, we do have some sassy ones who are a little bit stubborn. But I believe that they have developed a strong independence that they don't or aren't not ready to give up yet. When I run into them, I just lay back and give them a big smile and tell them I hope I can get moving like that when I get their age. Usually after that I get a smile and some wise words! Thank you for the response.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
5 Aug 07
I have assisted them many times. They are very grateful for my help. I haven't come across any that didn't want my help..I do believe it has to do with staying independent as long as they can..I think some do like someone to offer and some don't..I would not be offended if someone told me no, I don't want your help...I would understand...I think it is our caring nature about people that we tend to want to give a hand...I am sure their pride does get in the way..They are so used to doing things on their own, sometimes it is hard to ask for help or accept help..
@blk_princess (108)
• Northern Mariana Islands
4 Aug 07
yes, I would always help anyone that I see struggling because I would want the same to be done for me when I am struggling.
@laydlexius (133)
• United States
4 Aug 07
Exactly, that goes back to one of my favorite sayings, " Treat people the way you want to be treated!" It means alot and I'm quite sure if everyone had that attitude we would be in a better situation with the world right now. Thanks for the response.
@dreamjapan (409)
• Japan
5 Aug 07
I think the elderly need help but many times afraid to ask.
It is very sad that we live in a world where being afraid of stranges stops us from helping out. I live in Japan and because of some awful crimes commited against school kids our local city has set up a safety programme. Basically elderly people are asked to stand at different points on the routes the kids to and from home. They old grandparents stand (or sit) in groups of two or three, gossiping and watching the kids. I don't know if it would stop someone who wanted to hurt the kids but I like the fact that the kids have contact with the elderly in this area. The kids are told by the teachers to greet these people and to be respectful to them. Sometimes I catch bits of the converstations going on, kids asking the elderly about their school time and the big flood that happened here. It is nice, and I have noticed that the kids are more ready to help the elderly when they see them out shopping, plus the old people aren't so afriad of the kids anymore. So what started as a safety patrol for the kids is having a positive knock effect.
