Why does grandmother need a manicure? I heard this phrase when I was leaving the beauty salon.

Young girls, waiting for their turn, talked among themselves: “I don’t understand, why do grandmothers need a manicure?” I realized that the phrase applies to me and other ladies over sixty who still visit such establishments in their years, create queues and thereby annoy the young beauties.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have heard such judgments, the essence of which boils down to the fact that pensioners do not need anything at all. Let, they say, live, wear, finish... I'm 66, and I just can not agree with this judgment. In my opinion, the needs of a pensioner are the same, and sometimes much greater, than those of workers.

When retiring, a person is forced to change their lifestyle, based on the possibilities that the size of the pension allows. And believe me, I don't want to give up old habits at all. Of course, I'm not talking about those who deliberately spat on themselves and go with the flow. I mean those who are trying to live like a human being, taking care of their health, doing something interesting and useful, helping children and grandchildren.

What has changed in my life with my husband after retirement? There is more free time for communication and relaxation, sports. But the needs and costs have not decreased, but, on the contrary, have become more. First, it is necessary to maintain the house and the plot, and the cost of utilities is growing every year. Likewise, the cost of food has increased enormously. Do not think that retirees do not want to eat something tasty. And you also need to set aside for treats for your beloved grandchildren, without this - no way!

As for manicure and other self-care procedures, I will say that I am not going to give them up. A manicure (and even a pedicure!), A haircut, massage is even more necessary for the elderly than for the young. I'd rather save on groceries, but I'll definitely go to a beauty salon. And I still afford cosmetics within reasonable limits.

Add to this the cost of clothing and footwear for each season. I don’t want to wear coats and fur coats bought ten years ago. Imagine that even in your seventh decade you want to look modern, as they say, no worse than others. For sports, you also need something - a tracksuit, sneakers, Nordic walking sticks, etc. After all, you need to keep yourself in shape.

Unfortunately, this list has been supplemented by the costs of medicines, vitamin supplements, and hygiene products. No matter how hard you try, the body wears out, and you cannot completely protect yourself from diseases. It became especially sensitive when I caught the now fashionable virus. Expensive "pleasure", I tell you!

I am not saying all this to complain about my small pension. I just want to emphasize that pensioners are the same people, and nothing human is alien to them. The rest of your life must be lived with dignity, and not vegetated. It is from these considerations that the state should proceed when determining the subsistence minimum, the amount of the minimum pension, social benefits etc. Maybe then the attitude towards pensioners in society will change, and the girls will not be surprised that the grandmother came to manicure.