Wow, I encountered almost the exact thing last week. Wife and I sit down at a buffet. We pass through the line, pay and get empty cups. The server comes around and read our ticket and filled our drinks. She was a somewhat frail looking 60-65 y.o. lady who walked with a noticeable limp. She was very polite to us and we reciprocated. At the end my wife left the table and went to the ladies room.
I sat alone and the server walked up and asked if there was anything else we needed before we go. I said no, but if you don't mind I would like to ask you a personal question. I told her I did notice her limp, and asked her if she was OK. A tear welled up in her eye, and she said she has needed a hip replacement for several years but doubts she will ever be able to get one. She said she just manages every day the best as she can. I had to think of the 20 and 30 somethings too lazy to work at all, and who demand to skip out on their loans they owe. Sad world we live in.