Dear Editor,
Once upon a time, collecting my Old Age Pension book was quite a pleasant affair. I arrived at the designated location where there was usually a small group of pensioners comfortably seated. The staff members were efficient, courteous and friendly, and in a very short while I was able to receive my book.
The process has now changed. You arrive to a chaotic situation. Crowds of people are there. Some are seated under a tent in the yard but many more are standing around as the seats are never enough.
Ever so often, a harried staff member loudly shouts an order and we wait – hour after hour after hour after hour. Eventually, after having to get up, move over and sit down again many, many times, despite aching, creaking joints, in a weird version of musical chairs – without the music and the fun – you finally reach the desk and receive your book.
Why was a system that treated pensioners with dignity and kindness changed to one that is so demeaning? One so thoughtless of their personhood?
Is it too much to ask that with the imminent distribution of the Old Age Pension books, emphasis be placed by the authorities on treating pensioners with dignity and kindness?
Sincerely,
Joan Collins
