Elderly Woman With Osteoporosis Offers Money for Subway Seat in New York After No One Gets Up
NEW YORK — A viral video from a New York City subway is drawing national attention after a 70-year-old woman with osteoporosis was forced to offer money for a seat when no one stood up to let her sit.
The clip, posted by comedian and performer Linda Marcus Smith (@llindamarcussmith), shows her politely asking riders for help before resorting to a cash offer — a move that quickly turned a routine subway ride into a public debate about respect, manners, and generational empathy.
“I’ll Pay for a Seat”: A Plea Ignored on the Subway
In the video, Marcus Smith stands in a crowded subway car holding onto a pole as she speaks to seated passengers.
“70-year-old lady with osteoporosis who would like to have a seat,” she announces with a calm but hopeful tone. “Any takers? I’ll give you everything in my pockets for a seat on the train.”
Her friend, who was recording, warns her not to make that offer — “Don’t say that, you might have some money” — but the woman continues.
Determined to prove her point, she holds up $2 bills and repeats, “I got money; I will pay you. I’ll pay to have a seat.”
Even after trying to appeal to different age groups — asking, “Any Gen X, Boomers? Nobody?” — no one offers her a seat.
At the end of the clip, Marcus Smith promotes her comedy show and claps for herself, visibly disappointed but still smiling through the awkward silence.
Why Her Condition Makes Standing Dangerous
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, especially from minor slips or bumps. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 50 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density.
For people like Marcus Smith, standing on a moving train is not only uncomfortable but potentially hazardous. Even small jerks or stops could cause a fall leading to severe injury.
“The risk of falling makes this more than a comfort issue — it’s a matter of physical safety,” one medical expert noted in response to the viral discussion.
Subway Etiquette and Social Decay Debate
The MTA’s official rules designate priority seating for elderly and disabled riders, with visible signs reminding passengers to yield their seats. However, the policy relies on voluntary courtesy — something many viewers say is disappearing in modern urban life.
@llindamarcussmith
One top comment under the video read:
“This generation isn’t taught any manners.”
Another person added:
“When I was pregnant, men would consistently pretend to be asleep rather than stand up.”
While some pointed out that not all riders’ conditions are visible, most commenters agreed that at least one person should have offered a seat when Marcus Smith clearly stated her medical condition.
A Reflection on Modern Urban Behavior
The video has now garnered tens of thousands of views and has been widely shared on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), sparking conversations about empathy and the erosion of basic social respect.
Observers say the incident reflects a growing trend of disconnection in public spaces, where commuters often tune out the world with headphones and screens, ignoring what’s happening around them.
As one viewer summed it up:
“It’s not about generations. It’s about compassion — and that’s what’s missing.”
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