The Invisible Woman

If you saw an elder person sitting alone at a restaurant, would you ask to join? Or maybe you'd walk past and feel bad for the person? Or maybe you wouldn't even notice him sitting there. 

I'm embarrassed to admit that 9 times out of 10 I don't even notice people sitting alone, yet alone ask if I can join.

I'm fortunate that I get to talk to elder people all the time. But when I'm at a cafe, let's say, I'm usually running to get somewhere else. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I don't even notice people sitting alone, yet alone ask if I can join.

Sound familiar?

Fashion writer Judith Thurman, now 77, wrote, "You are invisible as an old person. It helps to accept that."

What? That is just SO sad. And there's more.

"I like to be invisible."

OK, for her, freedom comes with invisibility that I sort of get. But Judith is a rare bird. Maybe it's because she's been in the spotlight.

My clients, who are regular, special people, want to be seen. They want to be approached and asked questions. They want to know and believe they're relevant. 

And trust me, these conversations don't just benefit the elder  person. They are an absolute treat for the younger of the two! 

Make the effort and strike up a conversation. You’ll be glad you did.