Growing older has a lot of benefits. Experience, respect, and of course, discounts! Senior discounts aren’t just good for your wallet, they can also feel like a little treat that makes an outing more fun.
Where to Research Discounts
Discounts vary from year to year and business to business, so it is important to do your research before assuming that a discount is available or turning over any credit card information.
There are several online lists floating around that claim to list a variety of senior citizen discounts. Some of the discounts listed are outdated, some are only for specific locations, and others are just wrong.
Here are some great places to find discount opportunities as a senior.
AARP
AARP is a wealth (no pun intended) of information about discounts, deals, and services available to senior citizens. Having an AARP card also entitles you to discounts at a range of locations, including retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals. Many people are surprised to learn that you only have to be 50 to join AARP and reap the benefits.
Some of the benefits that come with an AARP membership include multiple discounts in the following categories:
- Travel: car rentals, cruises, flights and vacation packages, hotels and resorts, rail and tours, and travel planning
- Shopping and groceries: flowers and gifts, groceries
- Gas and auto services
- Health and wellness
- Entertainment
- Restaurants
- Insurance
- Home and real estate
- Technology and wireless
- Family caregiving
Insurance and Medicare
Many health insurance companies offer discounts for seniors on prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as gym memberships, classes, and health and wellness activities like massage. Your Medicare plan may also offer health-related discounts. When shopping for a Medicare plan, you may want to ask about discounts.
Veterans Services
For veterans, VA healthcare covers medical care and medical prescriptions and supplies for free or at a discount. Many stores and services also offer discounts for active military or veterans. Spouses, children, and caretakers of veterans may also qualify for some benefits and discounts.
Membership and Loyalty Accounts
Although not restricted to senior citizens, many stores, restaurants, and services now have membership or loyalty programs. These programs often offer discounts or free upgrades and usually do not require purchases. When signing up for a membership or loyalty program, be careful if you are asked to give personal or credit card information.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Most museums and cultural attractions, like zoos, offer discounts for children, students, and seniors. If you’re a grandparent looking for a fun and inexpensive day with your grandkids, the museum is a great place to start.
Existing Subscriptions and Memberships
Don’t forget to look at any existing subscriptions to magazines, museums, or streaming services to see if you now qualify for a discount.
Property Taxes
While it’s nice to get 10% off on a cup of coffee, it’s even nicer to save thousands of dollars on something like your property tax. Check with your town or city’s office of aging or senior services to make sure you are aware of all the government discounts to which you’re entitled.
Other Discounts to Look Into
Many local and national restaurants and stores offer a senior citizen discount, but only when asked or with a membership. Some places only offer discounts on certain days or in certain locations. Others might be willing to consider offering a senior discount if they know there’s enough of an interest.
If you are a customer to any of the following businesses, check for possible discounts in your area that you may qualify for:
- Craft and hobby stores (i.e. JOANN, Micheals)
- Clothing (i.e. Kohl’s, Ross)
- Thrift stores (i.e. Goodwill, Savers)
- Pharmacies (i.e. Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Grocery stores (i.e. Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, New Seasons Markets)
- Restaurants (i.e. IHOP, El Pollo Loco, McDonald’s)
- Theaters (i.e. AMC, Regal, Showcase)
- Cruises (i.e. Carnival, Royal)
- Hotels (i.e. Marriott)
- Trains, Planes and Buses (i.e. United Airlines, Greyhound, Amtrak)
Sharing information about discounts and other ways to save money is just one great reason to make sure you’re participating in activities with other seniors as well.
Start your research now to learn how to save on everything from your weekly groceries to your next flight, and reap the benefits you’ve earned.
If you’d like to learn more about resources in your area, you can reach out to Homethrive at (844) 343-8714 (TTY 711) for more assistance.