[coolgirl]

I don't know if my experiences are only isolated cases or it is a common thing here in HK. I find it that the elderly are not respected and looked after in HK.

I had two instances / conversations:

1. My local colleagues telling me they will not mind sending their parents to elderly homes just because if they get sick they would smell and be inconvenient (ok, I think this is more of a culture thing...but still surprised this happens in Asia!!!)

2. In the bus this morning, a hunchback old man (with a cane and tons of packages with him!!!) stood on the second floor of the bus. I was asleep so didn't notice, but as I woke up, I was so surprised to see him stand beside me. I offered my seat to him right away. He graciously declined and talked perfect english. And when he was trying his best to reach down to get his stuff before going down the stairs, again, no one helped except me. I felt so ashamed for the tons of healthy men and women sitting beside me.

I figured this is a common thing, because the man assumed immediately that I was not a local (by speaking English), and I do look local!

[shwetapershad]

I feel people are not very courteous in HK, in general.

[Bobbybo]

Please, let's not start to generalize. Chinese people usually respect old people. They are taught to do so since they are kids. In Chinese families old people still rule (personally feel it's a bit annoying).
2 cases don't make a statistic.

[mercury_element]

yeah, the general attitude of people towards old people is bad....

In the MTR and the buses, I have never seen anyone offering a seat to an elderly person or even to a pregnent woman. How weird!!!

[Bobbybo]

Originally Posted by mercury_element

yeah, the general attitude of people towards old people is bad....

In the MTR and the buses, I have never seen anyone offering a seat to an elderly person or even to a pregnent woman. How weird!!!

I've seen people offering seats to old people, pregnant women and people with kids in HK and Shanghai subway. I have a kid and I have experienced it.

[mercury_element]

Originally Posted by Bobbybo

I've seen people offering seats to old people, pregnant women and people with kids in HK and Shanghai subway. I have a kid and I have experienced it.

Mite be, but in these 2 yrs, I have never seen it even once.

[KnowItAll]

Quick reminder .. lets not turn this into a "Discrimination Part Deux" thread please.

[Bobbybo]

Originally Posted by mercury_element

Mite be, but in these 2 yrs, I have never seen it even once.

Statistics are like this. An average of 1 chicken per person per week sometimes means 1 person eating 2 chickens and 1 person eating no chicken.
In 6 months I personally witnessed several times people offering me or my wife with kid a seat. The same for old people on MTR and KCR.

[prashanthbk]

Dear All,
I have seen some amazing HK people who take care of their parents like gods and respect them for they know that it is due to them that they have a good life today. Let us not generalize about people and HK as what we see can be deceived. There is purpose behind every actions. I have seen so many locals get up when an elderly person walks into the MTR or even Bus. Guys every one does not think the same way. Instead of telling about the incidents let us think how can we help the needy if possible. We once did do a social service by selling rice for Oxfarm to help the needy in China. We thought that this is the best help we could do in our capacity.

I would like to tell that HK so far has been the best place for me to live and has been a second home for me though i have traveled to a lot of places. It is not a nice thing for us to criticize the way of life, instead let us plan what we can do for the needy. This is nothing personal but let us beware that when we point a finger at some one there are three pointing to-wards us!!!!

[dicesix]

Originally Posted by Bobbybo

In Chinese families old people still rule (personally feel it's a bit annoying).
2 cases don't make a statistic.

Same with my HK family. The elderly are very respected and fully integrated in the family. They are informed about every decision the family makes despite the probability that they'll forget it the next hour or so. The elders often insist on handeling things the "traditional" way which I also feel is a bit annoying but the whole family obliges.

Originally Posted by mercury_element

yeah, the general attitude of people towards old people is bad....
In the MTR and the buses, I have never seen anyone offering a seat to an elderly person or even to a pregnent woman. How weird!!!.

Maybe there is North-South divide in the courtesy towards elderly (who knows?) but in the New Territories it's quite common to see people giving up their seats for elder people in the LRT.