Why do the elderly go to supermarkets on Saturday?

[CheeseLover2026]

I’ve just got back from doing the family shop. I work full time long hours, so it’s shopping on weekend or nobody eats.

Shop is heaving. Everyone is slightly tetchy, rightly. The meat aisle is practically a bin fight. Trolleys in the way. Kids messing about.

And yet, so many elderly people, many of whom have mobility issues and are probably slightly frightened by the way my kind swoop in and swoop out to get an item while they are stood there pondering over this or that.

Yes, they have a right to do what they like. But WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would choose a frenetic Saturday when they have more civilised options?

I often wonder that too. Perhaps it’s routine? Or to get out of the house…

I get my shopping delivered now as I can’t stand the supermarkets at the weekend!

Same reason someone brings their kid and/or spouse- no idea.

If it's my mother in law it's because Saturday is the day my sister in law can drive her there.

Yes, it’s an odd choice. If I had all week, I’d choose a quiet weekday morning.

maybe it’s the only time a loved one can take them.

maybe they have been ill all week and it’s the first time they have felt up to it.

Maybe they want to go then!

but isn’t it awful they are being made to feel at risk because parents can’t keep their children under control!

Perhaps because they want to. They have the same rights as you as to when they shop, perhaps they are meeting someone there or going out direct from there.
Why don’t you get your shopping delivered if shopping in store bothers you?

Maybe they no longer drive, have to catch a bus, so shop nearly every day because they can’t carry
much? Maybe they are reliant on a lift from a son or daughter who is working during the week? FFS

My ILs used to go on Saturday because the bargain shelf was better - according to them. 🙄

See id assume they were on their way home from somewhere.

Why do you go to the store?

Do it online

YABU

No idea why people bring young kids to supermarket

Have some respect for the elderly people

I assume most of the elderly you see (especially those with mobility issues) need to be transported to the supermarket, so they have to go on a day when a family member or friend can take them. Otherwise it might just be that they don’t keep track of days of the week!

No idea OP, they should be locked up.

I always wonder why people shout into their phones as they go along residential streets, inevitably broadcasting themselves to everybody quietly going home or on their way out. Don’t even mention people doing it in public transport! As for e-bikes, let’s not go there with how dastardly they are, blocking the pavements. And what about cyclists these days, ignoring red lights, habitually.. scary being a pedestrian.. cyclists use the pavement now, as well.

I did wonder about that. I usually shop at Lidl and I can confirm none of these elderly had their daughters or sons with them assisting with driving or shopping.

At my local Waitrose, yeah, I’d say maybe 20% of the elderly have someone with them assisting. I can understand that. Their children will be working full time like the rest of us, too.

God knows. Maybe they're like me and shop every other day or something.

Maybe they rely on friends and family to drive them there and Saturday is the main day available. My elderly and mobility impaired mother used to rely on me and my sister to accompany her to the sup. Saturday was the only day either of us was regularly available.

I don't see why this is anything to get worked up over.

You go when you like and do your swooping.

Maybe they work full time too, and can’t get out in the week?

Cause weekend busier often more selection on offer with longer bbd

How the fuck do you know they've been available all week to go shopping? Or that everything they need to do and everywhere they need to go has been do-able all week?

Why don't you go during the week? The supermarkets are generally open for at least 12 hours every day.

Can you not get an online delivery? It would save so much time.

I do have respect. I just don’t understand the thought process that informs the decision to go on a saturday morning.

Horrible ageist thread

As they are possibly unable to carry heavy shopping they may do small shops daily. It also maybe the only time they get to talk to someone during the day.

My Mum is 82 and goes every day because she likes to get out of the house and enjoys her daily routine.

It's my idea of hell but each to their own.