Today I was at KFC queuing up to buy a meal for my nephews/niece. The queue was quite long so I had quite a bit of time to observe the kitchen behind. From the corner of my eye, I saw a KFC cap moving very slowly at the side of the Kitchen. On closer look, it was a very elderly KFC crew member. Her head was tilted almost 90 degree to the side (maybe due to weak bone). Her movement was very slow and I could see that she needed to support herself as she walked.
I saw her move slowly to the side. Then she opened some tins and started her work, scooping mash potatoes into the small containers. I ache when I saw her working as it must be hard on her. However I think we must be proud of her. Despite her conditions. she is working hard to support herself. And I am very glad that there are employers like KFC that are willing to hire people like her. Though they may not be as quick as the other younger crew members, they certainly can contribute to the workforce as well in their own ways. It also allows them a mean to support themselves.
Hopefully she is doing this work only to pass her time and that there are welfare benefits available for her if she need them or is unable to work.
I think in our everyday life, we do encounter many elderly workers involved in rather physically exhausting work eg those clearing the tables in the food court, dish washers etc. Many of them probably really need the jobs to support themselves and their families. It is a harsh reality, especially when you see them straining themselves physically. In the midst of our busy lifes. sometimes people may treat them as invisible. Certainly they should be appreciated for their work and contribution.
The harsh reality should also serve as a reminder to many of us that we should save for our retirement and hopefully next time when we grow old, we have a choice on what we want to do.
