Stop Offering Your Seat to Elderly People on Public Transport, Advise Health Experts

October 20, 2017

It is common courtesy to offer your seat to a senior when riding on public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has seats set aside not only for customers with disabilities but for the elderly. New York has taken this a step further and will actually fine riders who do not surrender reserved seats to elderly riders. Is it an indictment of our times that rules and fines have been instituted to enforce what should be a common sense practice of giving up seats intended for the elderly riders?

The Independent argues rude passengers who refuse to surrender their spot are actually doing senior citizens a favor by forcing them to stand. It is a serious stretch to say that public transportation seat hogs and the occasional manspreader who steadfastly refuses to vacate his seat are somehow the most noble and considerate passengers of all. The wallowing and bouncing ride of buses and public transportation trains can easily topple even young, able-bodied riders. That said, there is no doubt that seniors benefit greatly from a more active lifestyle. One way to accomplish this end is to stand more and not take it easy.

If you are a passenger of public transportation, improving your balance should be a priority, especially if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to stand. The negative impact of constantly sitting is well documented but standing on a moving train or bus loaded with milling passengers and their sundry personal items provides a unique set of dangers.

To successfully train your balance requires performing movements that closely approximate these activities, or activities that commonly result in falls. In new research, participants who engaged in the practice of tai chi had a significantly reduced risk of falling and demonstrated improved balance. Better balance, increased agility and superior mobility are useful everywhere, not just on public transportation, and facilitate a more active lifestyle.

Tai chi is noncompetitive, nonaggressive and a self-paced program that doesn't require physical strength, agility or flexibility to begin. Participants gain strength and flexibility through practice. Some of the essential principles are fluidity of movement, breath control and mental concentration. The practice of tai chi encompasses cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and strength.

Research has associated the practice of tai chi in adults between 60 and 80 years with an increase in upper and lower body muscle strength, balance, endurance and flexibility after both six weeks and 12 weeks of a 60-minute class, three times a week. Researchers have recommended including tai chi in public health initiatives to reduce disability and enhance physical function in the elderly.

It is never too late to renew your commitment to physical activity. Improving your balance and coordination can go a long way toward reducing your risk of falling, which is the most common cause of hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries among seniors. You may never experience the jostling and start-stop motions of public transportation, but if you're elderly or infirm, and decide to try some exercises at home, be sure to have a "spotter" next to you in case you lose your balance.

I firmly believe there is a suitable exercise program for everyone. If you're very old and frail, or severely obese, you can start with seated exercises as described in my previous articles, "Basic Exercise Guide for Older Seniors and the Infirm" and "Seated Aerobic and Strength Training Exercises for Those with Limited Mobility."

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