Seniors on Buses

It's customary here to offer your seat to an elderly person on the bus. (There are even ads above the bus windows that sport an amiable-looking girl with a speech bubble that translates, "I think it's a great thing to offer your seat to the elderly. You should do it, too!"). The problem I have found is when an older but not necessarily elderly person steps on. Normally, a very old person who has trouble walking and really does need it will give you the wrinkled but adorable smile of appreciation and a faintly lisping thank you as they wobblingly take the seat you offer, and then both parties carry on with good feeling.

But when an old German man or woman walks on who is vaguely between middle-aged and clearly-defined old, I find myself in a slight dilemma as I ponder the next step. If you stay because they don't look that old and seem alright, would that be the wrong choice? Would you actually be neglecting someone who actually needs it but is too timid to ask for a seat?

But then what if you ask, and the old lady is insulted and depressed by the fact that people are offering her seats on the bus now and her youth is so obviously dissipating? Is it better to offer the seat or just be willing to give it when it's requested?

You read this and don't think it's a big deal, but trust me, this occurs a lot when you take public transport every day. And you will think about it.