If you’re like me, you hate being called a senior. I’m in my sixties and aside from a few physical kinks now and then, I still feel young. But age has its advantages and there are plenty of perks available to our age group, known as Senior Discounts. You may have been avoiding them because of the insinuation that it means you’re old but here’s why they’re cool.
I took an Amtrak trip from the San Fernando Valley, to visit my podcast partner who lives in the Laguna Woods senior living community. It was featured on 60 Minutes 90+ Study and used to be known as Leisure World. She’s the same age as I am but got “such a deal” to live there. When I went to book my train ticket online, I qualified for senior discounts. Yee Haw! It saved me a few bucks and I was thrilled.
The age eligibility for senior discounts varies depending on the company or service. Amtrak starts at 62, but the LA Metro line is 65. Greyhound (62+) and Trailways (50+) also offer senior discounts.
Some movie theaters like AMC and Arclight offer senior discounts for 60+.
The point is, take advantage of perks whenever you can. The longer we live, the more money we need and God knows I’ll be working for the rest of my life unless I win the lottery.
Organizations that offer perks and senior discounts for Baby Boomers and seniors
I’ve been a member of AARP ever since I turned 50 and membership will give you access to a wide variety of perks. Being an AARP member is more important than ever because it fights like a banshee to make sure we don’t lose Medicare and other services that are critical as we age.
AARP offers senior discounts on insurance, healthcare, travel, and a variety of other services, including shopping on Amazon.
For those of you who feel AARP is too liberal for your political tastes, you can join AMAC. (Association of Mature American Citizens) They offer senior discounts, although not as many as AARP.
Senior Discount app
You may also want to download the app Sciddy, which will give you an alert if you’re in the vicinity of a business that has senior discounts.
Companies friendly to Baby Boomers and Seniors
There are several “chain” restaurants that offer senior discounts and cheap early bird dinners. It’s better to eat dinner early, right? Craving a Krispy Kreme? Pull out your driver’s license and enjoy your senior discount!
Ross Stores has a 10% off day every Tuesday for anyone over 55. I went in there on a Tuesday and it was a zoo, but that 10% can make a difference.
Walgreens offers 20% off every first Tuesday (55+ and AARP) with your Balance Awards card.
Ancestry offers a 30% discount with an AARP card.
Then there’s travel – my personal passion. Travel is expensive so make sure to take advantage of every discount you can.
Travel companies with senior discounts include Southwest Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, AARP Discount – Best Western Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Motel 6, Hertz Rental Cars, and much more.
If you’re 62 or over you can get an interagency pass to get a $20 annual or $80-lifetime pass to the National Parks and 50% off other park and forest services including camping.
The best thing you can do is ask
Whenever you go to a restaurant, attraction, hotel, or store, ask if they offer a senior discount. Make sure to join AARP for access to their opportunities. Enjoy the savings and have fun.
I can’t wait until I am 65 and then reap all the discounts. My sister who has white hair, was assumed to be 65 before she was and offered discounts!
I hear you but what’s surprising is that there are some nice discounts before 65 and even as young as 50. Hey, why not?
I’ve resisted some of the discounts (not others) figuring I still work full time. But retirement is getting closer and closer.
I feel that as long as you qualify, why not?
The hard about asking for a senior discount is getting it through my thick skull that I am a bonafide senior! Denial, denial, denial.
Oh, believe me, I know how you feel. But we’re just like good wine. We get better as we age.
Thanks for this list–and the reminder to take advantage of these opportunities! Maybe I’m in denial, or just absent-minded, but I seldom remember to ask about a senior discount (I’m soon to be 64). If we set aside everything we’re eligible to save over the course of a year, I bet it would add up to a pretty penny!
You’re right about that. There are lots of good things about it. Travel, clothes, fun. The more you save, the more you can do.
I never understood why people were so hesitant to reveal their age when it came to taking advantage of senior discounts. I say bring them on!
True, although I have to say I was one of those people until recently. In denial, I guess. It’s so worth it, though.
My husband is 68 and I am going to be 64…………..so between us ———there are lots of nice discounts we should be taking advantage of! Thanks for the great list.
You’re welcome, Ellen. Enjoy as many as you can get!