Common Social Etiquette Mistakes Seniors Make Unknowingly

Showing politeness and consideration to others is important at every stage in life, from childhood to senior citizenship. Having said that, it's easy to forget certain things with the passing of the years. With age comes confidence and experience, but remember the same rules for good behavior still count no matter what your age. Here are 7 common social etiquette mistakes seniors make unknowingly.

Try not to use all caps when you are texting, emailing, or posting comments online. "Do not post messages or share comments with ALL CAPS," says Hearthstone Senior Living. Doing so tells others that you are upset and yelling, rather than making a point."

Being rude to wait staff and other people working in the service industry is inconsiderate at best. "Too often the default response to a misunderstanding with wait staff or front-line service personnel is verbal aggression," Ronald Macfarlane says for the Montreal Gazette. "Perhaps the misunderstandings are more frequent now, as we do not express ourselves or our needs as clearly as we once did. Our frustration, in this case with ourselves, does not grant any right to treat others disrespectfully."

Always ask before you post a picture of friends or family members online. "It may be tempting to share an image or a picture that a loved one has posted, but it's important to remain cautious when considering this action," says Hearthstone Senior Living. "The person who originally posted such content may have privacy settings in place that are compromised when you share it with your friends and followers. You should also ask others if they are comfortable with you posting pictures of them, especially if children are involved."

Don't ask younger people—or anyone—personal questions in public. You might just be curious or trying to show interest, but it can be invasive and aggressive. Some people may find it embarrassing to be put on the spot.

Telling people what to do because you're older and know better is not the way to go. Even if you mean well, it shows a lack of respect. If people want advice, they will ask!

No matter how much time you have on your hands, resist the temptation to fight with strangers online. "If you see someone you know engaging in an online debate or arguing, try to resist the temptation of jumping in to speak on behalf of your loved one," says Hearthstone Senior Living. "Putting yourself in between other's arguments or debates may seem intrusive or overbearing, and may cause embarrassment if you aren't aware of the context of their conversation."

Don't ask younger people about how much money they make, or how much their rent/mortgage is. Be respectful of other peoples' boundaries and avoid talking about money.