Write an article based on this "Call people sir or ma'am. Offer your help. Be patient. Don't assume they have disabilities."
Even if you've grown up in a more casual environment where you usually call your friends' parents by their first names, you shouldn't assume that all older people are comfortable with that kind of informal title. Some elderly people may be more traditional, and prefer that you call them Mr./Mrs. So-and-So. Always ask what name they prefer you call them. Use sir or ma'am when you don't feel comfortable asking. If they ask you to call them by name, then respect their request and do so! Continuing calling them by something else would be disrespectful. People can often lose strength, balance, and agility as they age, which can make some everyday activities that we take for granted more difficult. Providing even the smallest assistance may help make their day a little easier, and demonstrate your respect in a courteous, thoughtful manner. It's always polite to hold the door open for the people behind you, but it can be especially helpful for older people with canes or walkers. When you're on public transportation, such as the subway, train, or bus, consider offering your seat to an elderly person, who might need to rest more than you. If you're at the store, offer to reach for items on shelves that might be too high or low for an older person to reach. You might also offer to carry an elderly person's bags to the car or unload their cart into the trunk. Older people usually don't move as quickly as they used to when they were younger, which means it can take them longer to do even the simplest of tasks, such as crossing the street. Be respectful by showing some patience when you encounter them instead of trying to hurry them along. If an elderly person is slow to get off the bus, subway, or elevator, or just walking down the street, don't push past them. Let them take their time, so they are comfortable and don't injure themselves. Don't huff and puff if an older person on line in front of you at a store takes a little longer to pay for their items. Instead, try to be understanding -- you might even offer to help by lifting items out of the cart or bagging groceries. While many elderly people do have health issues that require special assistance, some of them don't have these issues. Assuming that an older person has poor eyesight or hearing can be extremely condescending and make them feel self-conscious. If you're unsure whether an older person has a vision or hearing issue, just ask. Don't be rude about it. Don't ask outright "Do you have hearing issues?" Instead, try a gentler approach, such as: "Am I speaking too softly?"