THE incident in the disgraceful episode related by Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng in "Show more respect towards elderly patrons" (my paper, Aug 14) is, sadly, a common occurrence in Singapore.
My wife and I have experienced similarly unpleasant experiences in other commercial establishments which offer discounts to senior citizens.
In the cinemas we have patronised, the staff made it a point to record our personal particulars on our identity cards.
However, I do not blame the cashiers. They are doubtless under instructions from the management to carry out stringent checks on the ages of elderly customers.
Companies therefore should change the way they treat senior citizens, and tell their staff to use their discretion.
In the West, it is totally different.
They take you at your word when you tell them you are over 60 years of age. They have a lot of respect for the elderly.
At a Toronto train station some years ago, my wife and I had a pleasant and unforgettable experience.
The ticket-seller took the initiative to tell us, without our asking, that we were entitled to the senior citizens' rate, and did not bother to ask us our age. How's that for service for the elderly?
The key word is trust. Surely it is easy to spot an elderly person.
Give them the benefit of the doubt. What have commercial establishments got to lose?
