I am a senior citizen, must I give up my seat on the bus for a young person?

No. The unwritten rule is for the younger people to stand up in order to let elders sit down, mainly out of respect but also because some seniors & elders can't stand for long periods of time. If the younger person is agile, why not let them stand? You don't have to oblige to do anything.

Young man, did your mother not teach you any manners or respect for the aged? I'm having a hard time following your turn around scenario where the aged person is asked to give up his or her for the young, healthy woman. Why? Besides the fact that it is just good manners for a gentleman to offer his seat to a female, there is usually a physical reason that a young, healthy, not disabled man to at least offer his seat to an aged person. I assure you that if the old person who is standing does not need to sit down, they will refuse it. We do not want to be coddled, but we do want respect. Treat us with respect, and we will return the favor.

There's not something like earning a seat. There's something like showing respect and being nice though. Letting an older person stand for a few minutes is not nice. Doesn't mean I always take the window seat to let someone sit next to me though. Especially nowadays, as I walk with crutches.

You don't have to feel guilty unless that 20 plus person is very sick and unable to stand then it is a different matter. So nice to know that you feel so much for others despite your old age. Our world needs more of your kind.

Hi Hatley, I'm in the 60s, I do not expect young people to give up their seat for me, but if they did, I would thank them and accept it if I were loaded with shopping bags LOL! On the other hand, I would happily give up my seat for pregnant women, or someone who shows sign of handicap; but certainly not for young adults. Cheers.

If I am a senior citizen and I am confident that I can handle standing in a running bus or train, I will not hesitate to give my seat to a younger person. But I'll choose the person. I will only give my seat to a pregnant woman, those youngs that look like having a hard time standing on the bus or train or those who have loads of things in their hands. Its nice to help others.

I always gave up my seat for an elderly person or a pregnant woman while I was growing up. I don't use public transport anymore. But my son has been taught to give up his seat for elders and he will do it willingly. In a bus full of people with elderly people standing, I'm sure it doesn't need to be just one youngster offering a seat everyday. It's never happened to me. And if an elderly person offered me a seat, I would definitely not take it.

I came across that discussion and what I really couldn't believe was how many people agreed with the original poster about it not being fair to give up their seat just because a person is a senior citizen...like yikes--what happened to respect or kindness?

Well in that case I guess I'll just transfer to another bus =) anyways I'm always not in a hurry and I give allowance to such situations.. =)

Hi Hatley! This is just so unbelieveable that the young people of today actually have the nerve to even have to think about this and ask this disgusting question! How dare they! When I was in my twenties I never gave it a a moments thought to get up out of my seat for someone who was even slightly older than I was! And now that I am an older person who is slightly disabled if I saw someone who was more disabled than I was I would still give up my seat for them and I really can't stand up on the bus anymore! But, that is just the way that I am! I would do it because I know that these younger people would never even think about doing it! I don't know what has happened and how these kids have been raised, but they just don't give a crap about older people anymore and it is really disgusting!

I was taught to show respect for older people and any that have infirmities, so that is what I do. When I take the bus and seats are few I just don't bother to sit as I still have good health. As a senior citizen I think you have earned certain privileges. So unless the young person has some kind of problem then enjoy your seat.

It is a big No in my country for a older citizen to give up her seat just to let a younger person seat. it is a sign of disrespect and in my country most old citizen are being care despite having dementia they are received the most care and attention. Even, if in cases you offer your seat and i am the young man. I would still refuse your kindness and insist you seat. A high demand for older citizen is a must in my country and the young ones must be the one to let go, giving much privileges to the older one.

I have given up my seat for the elderly and for pregnant females many times. Its not a rule or law but giving up your seat to these people is a nice thing to do for someone who may not be able to stand for a long period of time. I'm not saying to do it everyday. Also its good to do it only if you are seriously doing it from the kindness of your heart. Not because you feel embarrassed into doing it. Another thing I have noticed in my 52 years on this earth a female will get up faster for someone then a man will and that really gets me upset. I have seen many times where I may be towards the back of a crowded bus an a elderly or pregnant lady gets on the bus and stands in front of a man. The man will either act like he is sleeping or just ignore that female standing in front of them. That gets me so mad.

You are not expected to give up your seat to someone younger than yourself, be it man or woman. There is one rule of thumb I always follow - if any person less fit than myself is standing, then I give up my sit irregardless of age or gender. Can't really go wrong if you follow this one.

If the person is sick or pregnant then you must give up your seat in the bus.But i do not think she needs to bother you as you are a senior citizen.She can ask other people in the bus also.Once i too had to give up a seat the person came to me and said he was having leg problems.So angry i was that day now i never sit in the handicapped or ladies seat.

You are right, the older person should have the seat. I ride the bus too. I see some really rude stuff that can not be right. Young women with big strollers take the handicapp areas. Most of these babies im seeing in the strollers are like 1- 2 years old. Old enough to get out so the strolled can be folded up. One day on the bus two big stroller were in the two wheelchair spots. Then the next stop a wheelchair got on guess where he had to sit? Right in the middle of the isle up in the front. The only time i give up a seat to a younger person is if they are handicapp or if a female is pregnant.

In my opinion. No need for you to do that because of respect to someone most especially young girl. You are an old man that have weak bones that should be protected for not standing on the bus... Have a nice day!

Hi, Hatley! It totally depends on whether you yourself can bear to stand until you reach your destination. If the 20 something girl is not pregnant and seems to be in good health, I agree with one of the lotters saying that you do not need to feel guilty. In my opinion, as an elderly you deserved that seat. I am sure the 20 something girl would have thought the same thing when she was older and in the situation as where you are now. It is a cycle, a give and take between two generations.

Hi Hatley, I will give my seats away for old folks and pregnant woman either on a bus or train. They need the seat more than I am. I am still young and can stand more than them. We are human being and have feelings too. So be kind enough to other people and don't forget that we will get old one day. We also don't want other people to treat us bad in future. So doing good things now will make our life happier in future.

I have always been taught to respect your elders. Even though you are probably coming home from work from a long day at work. Think how may days of work that 60 yr. old has put in more than you. It is just a common courtesy. I am 39 yrs old and I even find myself giving up my seat before someone younger than me because of my upbringing. I think it is a personal preference. But their work is done and even though you just got off work, Your work has just begun.