One of the great perks of getting older is receiving senior discounts. These benefits can help make life easier as we grow older and should definitely be taken advantage of. Today, several big businesses across the country offer exclusive discounts for the 60+r crowd. What’s more, many of these benefits are offered long before you turn 65!
To help you keep a tab on some of the most important stuff that seniors can get for free or at great discounts, we have composed a list of senior savings that will help you keep more cash in your pocket. So read on, because there’s no better time than now to relish your golden years with savings!
1. An AARP membership
A membership with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP for short) can be really helpful for seniors. At just $16 per year, you will get to save on things like supplemental health insurance, hotel stays, rental cars, prescriptions, movie tickets, dining, and more. Furthermore, a membership with them also allows you to add a spouse or partner for free. The discounts begin at around 10 percent and can extend depending on the service. Visit aarp.org and find out if their benefits would be worth it for you.
2. Dining Discounts
Even though you might not be going out to dine too much these days because of the pandemic, one of the easiest places to get a senior discount is at your local eateries. Major national food chains like Wendy’s, KFC, Subway, Burger King, Chili’s, and Taco Bell provide delicious offers for seniors all the time. In fact, IHOP has a dedicated discounted menu for those who are 55 and up. You can check the complete list of discounts for older adults at restaurants, on The Senior List.
3. Medicines At a Reduced Price At Walgreens
Walgreens stores can be found in almost every corner of the country these days and the pharmacy store chain has plenty of neat offers for seniors. Firstly, you will get 20% off on the first Tuesday of the month if you're a Walgreens Balance Rewards cardholder 55 years old and older. Also, AARP members can get various discounts starting at age 50 (discounts include 20% off in-store or 10% off online).
Then there’s “Seniors Day” once a month in Walgreens stores, which varies by location. Just check with your local store about this.
4. Travel Discounts
The next time you plan a train trip across the country, make sure you take advantage of the Amtrak discounts. The national Rail transport company has 15% off on most trains' lowest available rail fare for the 62+ age group.
Also, American Airlines provides various discounts for 65 and up. Delta Air Lines, too, has discounted senior fares on select flights. Airlines don’t always promote the offers online, so make a call to customer service before booking your tickets.
Many local municipalities have free public transportation waivers for senior citizens, including bus, subway, train, and ferry services. Your local municipal offices can let you know what is available in your community.
5. National Park Entry
Nothing can beat the feeling of being in the lap of nature. That's why national parks like Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite, among others, are just the perfect places to unwind for outdoor enthusiasts. However, are you aware that U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years or older can get a Senior Pass that will allow them entry to more than 400 national parks and historic sites? You can purchase the card at a one-time charge of $10 (or get it online for $20) and enjoy free entry into unlimited national parks and national wildlife refuges across the country.
Additionally, the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours, at many sites.
6. Free Dental Care
It’s important to practice proper dental hygiene as robust oral health translates to good health overall. It is particularly important for older adults as oral health can be a vital factor affecting their quality of life, overall health, and wellbeing.
Lower-income seniors can make use of the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program which offers free dental treatment to the elderly. It is operated through a network of 15,000 volunteer dentists and is available in every state. Click here to find qualification guidelines and an application for the state where you reside.
7. Free Tax Counseling
Managing your finances can often be overwhelming. But seniors should take advantage of the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which offers efficient and quality tax assistance to individuals who are age 60 or older. The program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who provide “free assistance and basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing” at community locations across the country.
You can find a TCE office near you by calling 800-906-9887 or emailing them at [email protected].
8. Grocery Store Discounts
A trip to the local supermarket is a given these days almost every week. Those trips, however, need not break the bank. There are quite a few grocery store companies all over the country that have senior-specific discounts or senior discount days.
* ACME Markets has discounts for the elderly each week in coupons and deals.
* Fred Meyer gives 10% off select items, primarily store brands on the first Tuesday of the month for the 55+ club.
* Food Bazaar offers a discount to seniors Monday through Friday before 3 pm.
* Fry’s Food Stores gives 10% off on the first Wednesday of every month for those above 55.
* People above 60 years can save 5% on their purchase at Harris Teeter stores every Thursday.
Note: Whichever grocery store you visit, always stop by customer service to inquire if they offer a senior discount or special price reduction. Always carry your ID for proof of age.
9. Fitness Discounts
Exercise improves strength and flexibility and therefore improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Seniors take much longer to recover from falls, so it’s doubly important for them to do some form of physical activity daily.
Silver Sneakers might be a good place to start as this nationwide organization helps insured seniors find free gyms, fitness classes at over 17,000 fitness locations, and various exercise programs. Visit their website to find out more and learn if you qualify.
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