When someone is older, it does not necessarily mean that someone is less energetic. For example, Harry Hermans (96) is still busy every day in a flower shop in Rotterdam. He regularly delivers bunches of flowers to customers and no, not with a car or van. He just does that on his bike!
‘Grandpa’ Harry delivers flowers by bicycle
Perhaps people in North Rotterdam know the 96-year-old Harry Hermans. In his old age he helps out at his daughter’s flower shop. He has been doing this for 24 years, where he also regularly delivers bunches of flowers to regular customers. Not in a van or car, but just on his bike. Aww! In a report from OPEN Rotterdam we see that he takes his work very seriously. For example, he has devised a whole system for delivering the flowers. First of all, the flowers should always be in a container with water. Then there is an empty container next to it, so that the flowers do not shift in the bicycle basket. This way, the flowers always arrive beautifully at the customer. Is someone not at home? No problem: Harry has thought of that too. For this purpose he takes old milk cartons with him, which he can fill with water. This way he can leave the flowers safely at the door and they stay nice and fresh.
It is clear that Harry enjoys his work. There is a good chance that he will continue to do this for a long time. It’s just a hobby and you don’t get tired of it quickly, do you? He also finds it interesting to learn why people need flowers. Every customer is different and people want a bouquet of flowers for different reasons. The “personal element” involved in delivering flowers makes the job special for him.
Against loneliness
Harry has become an important person for the employees and customers. “We all call him grandpa,” says store employee Quinty. They also worry when he is not there for a day. “He’s 96 and lately he’s been a little less strong,” she explains. Although we all hope, of course, that he will last a long time. Harry also delivers the flowers to eliminate loneliness. He is normally alone himself, but that is why he often visits the flower shop. “I think it is important that as an older person you do not end up in loneliness,” says Harry.
