[Caz]

No I am not "tarring all pensioners with the same brush".

Merely pointing out that they are often grouped together as a cozy bunch, that the mention of the word pensioner inspires in some people the vision of a sweet siver haired granny, when in fact, some people are the same as they have always been, be it criminal, abuser or whatever, and don't become any different with a coming of age, and therefore don't deserve the respect.
I would give a pensioner the same respect I would any other human being, regardless of age, if I think they deserve it. They won't get it purely on showing me a buspass. If I think someone is more infirm than I am I would give up my seat or my place in a queue. Not necessarily just because they might be older...and sometimes quite honestly you can't always tell anyway..there is that flip side to the coin too! Also some people feel patronised to be bundled together in a group just because of their age. I know that will certainly apply with me.