Traveling with an Old Person

Lately I’ve been traveling with an old person. I know for those of you who regularly read these posts will be a bit surprised by this. After all, I always write about my solo travel. But it’s true.

It came as a surprise to me too! In fact, it happened so subtly I didn’t even notice myself. But now I’m stuck with that person whenever I travel. Yeah, you guessed it, it’s me!

It all happened so gradually, that’s why I never noticed. It first began about 3 or 4 years ago when I was climbing the stair ramp to a plane. A young man behind me shocked me by asking if he could take my carryon bag up the stairs for me. I know he was trying to be kind, but that was low. I don’t think he could have insulted me more!

Maybe a year later another event happened. I was in a long line to clear immigration in a country I don’t remember (see! I am getting old!). Suddenly I was approached by a lady who worked at the airport and asked me to get out of the line. At first I thought I was flagged for extra security check, but instead she moved me to a shorter line. I was so grateful she identified me as a man of priority and distinction. Then, I saw the sign at the head of the line: Senior Citizens.

Good God! Just leave me in the long line next time.

Recently, a person told me to watch my step when I got on an escalator. Really, do I look like a trip hazard?!

Now it’s happening with more frequency. Young people asking if they can put my carry-on in the overhead storage of the plane now. Well intending youngsters continuing to insult me.

Now I take care of myself. I have what I call as a 100% rule. That means I excercise everyday, 100% of the days. I never take a day off unless I’m sick, can’t because of travel, or having surgery. I excercise an hour everyday by lifting weights, doing pushups and sit-ups, stretching, and 30 minutes of cardio. I’m in decent shape for my age and I am more than capable of taking care of my travel needs. So what’s with all this senior stuff?

I have thought more about how I should react. I do have options! I could:

A. Politely decline their offer and show them I can do it myself. Thanking them for their offer.

B. Thank them and accept their offer, therefore giving them the pleasure of helping an old soul:

C. Smash their face in for insulting me!

So what do I do?

I started out by wanting to do option C, but instead actually doing option A. I just am not ready to be a senior yet despite my age. But now I have morphed into option B. I accept their offers now. I mean, why deny them the pleasure of gratification? Besides, maybe I’ll injure my back one day lifting my 40 lb carry-on.

I guess I have to face the fact I’m stuck traveling with an old man. Whether I like it or not is irrelevant. I think I’ll just embrace the benefits of it. From now on I guess I’ll ask for those senior discounts at the restaurants too. Did you know some McDonalds offer senior coffees? Not everywhere, but certain locations. Yeah, one $1 senior coffee to go please….