Grumpy old man Syndrome

When people told me about the “grumpy old man syndrome” I used to think they’re exaggerating things.

The old men I met aren’t grumpy or at least not to a large extend.

But today, I met one old man who is indeed grumpy. I actually won’t have noticed him if he wasn’t so loud and grumpy.

We were out for dinner when we heard an old man shouting at one of the hawker store owner. From what I understand with my limited knowledge of dialect, he was accusing the owner of “looking down” on him.

He kept shouting at the store owner (who is busy in his store) from his seat (few meters away, so everyone can hear him) about how he has lots of money and can afford more expensive food! He also went on to “warn” others not to patronise the store.

We thought it would be over after a while, but he went on and on as he ate his food. (He is like a recorder, that would repeat every 3-4 minutes)

Till finally, he was done and gave his final “speech” before leaving.

Being Kayops (busy-body) we asked a store owner we know about the incident. She said that the old man wanted to pay with chillings but is short of $0.20. He then pulled out a $100 note (the chicken rice cost only $3). The owner doesn’t have change for $100 so told him that he is fine with $2.80 and jokingly said “take it as a discount or treat.”

The old man got offended with that. He probably thinks the store owner thinks he “needs a treat or discount”. To be honest, I don’t really get his anger … I mean if he minds so much, come back another day to return the $0.20 or buy something and get small change. There are hundred of ways to solve this … but why the conclusion was “He looked down on me?” instead of, “He is generous?”

Anyway, I did a little research on my own (note: my research could be noy as accurate) that this “syndrome” has got to do with growing old “ungracefully”.

Well,  we’re all gonna become slower, weaker and not as good as when we’re young as we aged. The things that we took pride in our younger days (say physical abilities, agility, good memory, professional achievements and such) maybe “gone” because we can’t do them as well now or we left the job. This can cause uneasiness, panic or even depression.

So, the best way to prevent this Grumpy Old Man Syndrome? Learn and prepare for it. Accept that we all get old and weaker.