Why do old people NEVER sit down when asked to?

Question

I work at a customer service center for a local electric company. When I tell people that it will be a few minutes before a representative is available I always ask them to have a seat in our waiting area.


Old people NEVER sit when asked. They either stand in front of my desk and read the pamphlets we have or peer over me while I am trying to do my work.... what gives?

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Acutally, since I am a receptionist, being curteous to my customers is my number one priority. If I weren't, I don't think I would be a receptionist anymore, do you? And if I were concerned with my ability to do my job then I would get help from a co-worker. I don't need someone sitting in front of a computer on Yahoo Answers to tell me I feel like I'm not doing my job well enough. =)

From what I am gathering though, it is more insulting and rude to assume that you have a presence over me when you decide to hover or stand over me while I am trying to work.

Just because you are old does not mean you have any type of "presence" over me. =)

So to make it short, answer my question, don't asume I am being disrespectful when an "elderly" person approaches me. Because, I am not. =)

Answer 1

We're trying to push you along. After all our time is limited :)

Answer 2

i really don't like you controlling me in that way. if i don't want to sit, i won't. i think it's offensive that you ask. you really have no right to tell me whether to sit or stand. there is no logical reason why we would have to sit in order to wait.

try saying:

you can sit and wait or stand, but please not in front of the window, it needs to be clear for other customers.

or give them some other reason why they should do what you say:

when you stand there, i feel uncomfortable, because i have trouble working when someone is watching

they might be curious about what you're doing or trying to find out how long it will be.

you could say:

it will be about 20 minutes would you like to sit to wait? we have some magazines.
Or you could just mill around. I'll be working.

Answer 3

I think it is more that it is hard for them to just get settled and then have to get back up again. Nobody likes to admit weakness even if it is obvious like being old. If having them stand at your desk bugs you point out the bathroom or drinking fountain just to get them moving.

Answer 4

Waiting room chairs are often very uncomfortable to old bones because they are poorly padded. They are often very low and difficult to get up from. So many people - old and disabled may find it embarrassing to need help to get off the chair once they are sitting.

Answer 5

For some old people it requires a lot of effort to sit and get back up again. Arthritis is a very painful thing. Be more understanding and you might find them quite likable

Answer 6

First of all, define 'old'(?). Most people, myself included don't like to sit down, because we have a lot of energy. We don't like to sit down, because we want you to know that we are here, and waiting. Additionally, maybe we have been sitting all day, and don't want to sit anymore. Why do you want them to sit down? It seem you're worried about your job, and what they think about your job. Just do your job, and don't worry if people stand, sit, kneel, lay-down, or whatever. Remember, they are the customer. It is your job to take care of their legitimate requests.

Answer 7

Maybe they are more comfy standing. Maybe it is difficult for them to get out of the chair after sitting. Maybe they figure they will get faster service if they are standing.

Answer 8

I fear who age aren't always fully hearing capable...some are impatient, some are simply mentally impaired. The point being dear, whatever the reason, why are you judging them?

You will, my dear, be "there" soon enough - its about empathy, its about compassion, its about understanding - try to exhibit a bit more of this and learnn it FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR LIFE...

This is, in the scheme of life, a very petty complaint, would you not agree?!

Sincerely,

Grace

Answer 9

How sad, that I can answer this!

When you get older, your joints and muscles stiffen easily. If you stand and continue moving around a little, you're okay. But if you sit reasonably still for a while, there's mild pain and substantial stiffness on getting up.

So it's simple pain avoidance for many.

Answer 10

1. do you know how are it is for an elderly person to get back up once they sit down? 2. they probably just want to talk to you, some might live alone and just need someone to talk to. plus other people might not want to sit down after sitting all day at work. or in the car.

Answer 11

Why does it bother you?
They grown people, not children.
Especially the elderly, are they really hurting anybody by reading some pamphlets?