What are Senior Discounts?
Senior discounts are typically discounts that are offered to older citizens once they attain the age of 50. Many organizations recognize that senior citizens do not have the spending power like younger citizens. For this reason, these organizations offer discounts as a way of appreciating the senior citizens and to make life a lot easier for them.
Although 50 is the normal age at which many organizations start offering senior discounts, some organizations may choose 55 as the starting age. In other words, these discounts may vary widely depending on age and location. For instance, some organizations may only choose to provide these discounts in specific areas or locations. This is why you may find a given brand offering higher discounts in one area while offering lower discounts in another area. Senior citizen discounts can apply to everything from food, internet services, and medical alert systems to travel.
Keep in mind that there are no legal requirements for any location or organization to offer these discounts. As such, most organizations have no obligation to advertise these discounts extensively. It's, therefore, your responsibility to ask for them whenever you visit an organization.
How Old Must You be to Receive Senior Discounts?
As we've just noted, some establishments offer senior citizen discounts from the age of 50 while others offer these discounts from the age of 55. On the other hand, some organizations may determine the age at which they offer these discounts. The idea here is that there's no technical definition of when an individual can qualify for senior citizen discounts.
Generally, many organizations will offer these discounts from the age of 50. Others begin offering these discounts from the age of 55 while others begin offering these discounts from the age of 60. That being said, you shouldn't forget to bring your senior citizen ID when you visit an organization or when you go shopping.
Senior Discounts for 2021
Here are some of the most common types of senior discounts for 2021. Look at them closely and make sure that you ask the businesses about available senior discounts.
Save on Your Property Taxes
You probably are aware that every state has some property tax benefits for seniors. Well, you can take advantage of programs that exempt you from property taxes. Property taxes are generally imposed at state, county, and local levels. Here are a few examples of property tax exemptions for seniors based on states.
- In New York, senior citizens are exempted from 50% of your home's appraised value. You, however, must be at the age of 65 or older and have an annual income not exceeding $29,000.
- In Texas, a majority of senior citizens do not have to pay for property taxes as long as they're 65-year-old and above. Your primary residence should, however, be Harris County.
- In Alaska, you'll only pay 3% on a property valued at less than $250,000 but can be completely exempted if your property is valued at $150,000 or less.
- In Honolulu, You can be exempted if your property is valued at $140,000 or less.
- Other states such as Illinois and Massachusetts are not so generous
Reduce Your Cell Phone Bill
There are many cell phone companies that offer numerous special discounts for senior citizens.
- Verizon Wireless offers what is known as 55-plus program across the nation. This is an unlimited talk and message service plan for customers aged 55 and above. You should check if this offer is available in your area.
- AT&T offers a special Senior Nation Plan for customers aged 65 and above at an affordable rate of $29.99 per month. This offer gives you 200 unlimited minutes, mobile-to-mobile minutes, as well as nights and weekends.
- Consumer Cellular offers AARP members exclusive savings on monthly charges, as well as discounts on accessories. You, however, have to be aged 50 or older.
Take Advantage of Prime Membership on Amazon
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll receive a free 30-day trial. This includes exclusive shopping deals, free two-day shipping on over 100 million items, as well as discounts on baby food and diapers.
Amazon Prime membership will also give you access to thousands of TV shows, movies, offline downloads, online streams, unlimited access to Kindle books, and more. At the end of the trial, you'll be required to verify your identity with a valid Medicaid card or EBT to continue receiving the above-mentioned benefits at a discounted price of $5.99 per month.
Airline Discounts for Senior Citizens
Airlines are continuously changing their ticket prices, flight schedules, and fees. Here are a few airlines that offer special senior discounts.
British Airways - Reaching the age of 50 has few perks, notably the eligibility to join AARP. By being a member of the AARP, you can save up to $200 if you're planning to use trans-Atlantic flights. Such trans-Atlantic discounts apply if you're flying round-trip from selected U.S. gateways to the UK and beyond.
United Airlines - This airline offers senior fares for specific destinations to customers aged 65 and above. You should ask for more details regarding these rates.
Delta Air Lines - This airline offers discounts in specific markets but you should contact the airline directly on 800-221-1212.
American Airlines - This airline offers discounted tickets to senior citizens aged 65 and above on select international flights.
Reduce Your Travel Expenses
It's imperative that you may still want to travel or move from one place to another even after retiring. Many transport companies offer various discounts for senior citizens. You should, therefore, take advantage of these offers and travel whenever you can. Here are some of the offers.
- Amtrak - 15% discount if you're aged 65 and above
- Greyhound - 5% discount if you're aged 62 and above
- Avis - Offers up to 30% discount to AARP members
- Hertz Car Rental - Offers various discounts to seniors aged 50 and above
- Payless Car Rental - Offers various discounts to AARP members
- Seniors can also receive an annual pass for $20 to national parks. Better still, you can receive a lifetime pass to these national parks for $80.
Health Discounts for Senior Citizens
Many senior citizens have various health complications. These complications may lead to health-related expenses, which can quickly drain your savings. There are various health discounts for seniors. Here are a few examples.
You can sign up for Medicare at 65 instead of seeking companies that provide health insurance.
AARP Prescription Savings - As an AARP member, you can save about 61% on FDA-approved prescriptions if you are not covered by insurance.
RxFreeCard - It has numerous discounts on prescriptions for seniors.
RiteAid - If you're aged 65 and above, you can target RiteAid's wellness program such as a 20% discount on anything you purchase on the first Wednesday of each month. You can also get a free consultation with a pharmacist.
Atera Spas - There are numerous special prices on products for seniors.
Save Thousands of Dollars by enrolling for New Medicare Plan in 2021
It's very unfortunate that over 95% of senior citizens still pay more than $5,000 annually for medical expenses out of their own pockets. You can save thousands of dollars by enrolling for a good Medicare Supplement Plan. There are special zip codes across the United States that are eligible for this plan, which can cover your deductibles and copays.
Go on a Cruise
If you love cruising and would want to cruise the seas now that you're retired, you can take advantage of the generous discounts on offer. Let's mention a few.
The Royal Caribbean - Offers reduced prices for seniors aged 55 and above only on selected sailings.
The Carnival - There are reduced prices for seniors aged 55 and above.
Shop for Discounts
There are numerous discounts that you should take advantage of whenever you go shopping.
Walgreens - Offers discounts for AARP members or seniors aged 55 and above.
Kohl's - Offers 15% discounts for seniors aged 60 and above every Wednesday.
Goodwill - Offers 10% discounts for seniors aged 60 and above every Tuesdays.
Habitat for Humanity Restore - Offers 20% for seniors aged 55 in selected locations on Thursdays.
Hy-Vee - Offers 5% discounts every Wednesday for seniors aged 55 and above.
Michaels - Offers 10% for seniors aged 55 and above.
Entertainment and Education
The rewards of being a senior citizen extend beyond financial, shopping, and travel discounts. For instance, this can be a perfect time to volunteer and do part-time work as this will keep you even more active. Besides volunteering, you can continue learning as a senior with certain colleges free tuition in selected states.
In terms of entertainment, here are some theaters that offer discounts to senior citizens.
AMC Theaters - Offers reduced ticket prices to patrons who are aged 60 and above.
Regal Entertainment Group - Offers 30% discounts on regular adult ticket prices for senior citizens aged 60 and above.
Marcus Theaters - It offers special admission prices for customers aged 60 and above every Friday. For $6, you can watch any show that begins before 5:30 PM.
Landmark Theaters - With over 50 locations nationwide, you can enjoy several senior discounts on these locations.
Showcase Cinemas - It offers a special program known as Senior Wednesdays for patrons aged 60 and above. The discounts begin at $7.50 and popcorns and soda for $4.50.
Auto Service Discounts
If you want your car to get serviced, here are some discounts to target.
Jiffy Lube - Offers 10% discounts for customers aged 55 and above.
Pep Boys - Offers 10% discounts for customers aged 55 and above.
Grocery Stores Senior Discounts
There are several grocery stores that offer senior discounts. Here are some of them.
Fred Meyer - Offers 10%-15% senior discounts for senior citizens aged 55 and above on the first Tuesday of every month.
American Discount Stores - Offers 10% discounts for senior citizens aged 62 and above every Monday.
New Seasons - Offers 10% discounts for senior citizens aged 65 and above every Wednesday.
Hotel Staying
Are you planning to spend some time in a hotel? Here are some hotels that offer amazing senior discounts.
Choice Hotels - Offers 10% discounts for AARP members or for senior citizens aged 60 and above.
Best Western - Offers up to 15% senior discounts for seniors aged 55 and above.
Holiday Inn - Offers various discounts to seniors aged 62 and above.
Hampton - Offers 10% senior discounts for AARP members.
Marriott - Offers 15% discounts for seniors aged 62 and above.
Super 8 - Offers discounts for seniors aged 60 and above.
Senior Discounts when Eating Out
Here are some incredible restaurants that offer senior discounts.
Burger King - Offers 10% senior discounts on drink items.
Wendy's - Free drink at 10% in some locations
Subway - Offers 10% discount
Applebee - Offers 10% discount
Outback Steakhouse - Offers 10% discounts for AARP members.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are several discounts that are meant to make your life as a senior citizen a lot easier if not better. It can never be doubted that being a senior comes with several perks such as wisdom, expertise, respect, and experience. Add these to the numerous senior discounts that are on offer and your life should be a little better if not much better. All you have to do is carry your senior citizen ID, ask for these discounts, and take advantage of them.
Reap the rewards of your golden years!
