What’s one of the biggest perks of reaching your golden years? Two words: senior discounts. From grocery stores to transportation and luxury hotels, plenty of businesses offer discounts and promotions exclusively for older customers. So, what’s the catch? While several businesses offer discounts for seniors, not all of them advertise these promotions – so a little detective work may be in order.
Want to see if your favorite stores have senior discounts available? All you have to do is ask!
Check out these 10 senior discounts you could be taking advantage of.
- Restaurants
Perhaps one of the easiest places to cash in on senior savings is at your favorite restaurant or local eatery. Many restaurants across the country offer senior discounts on food and drinks, including major chains such as Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Corner Bakery Café, Denny’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Outback Steakhouse. And if you don’t see your favorite restaurant on this list, be sure to ask next time you’re dining there. Since many chain restaurants are independently owned, discounts and promotions often vary by location.
- Gym Facilities
If you’re part of a Medicare health plan, check your benefits to see if you are eligible for a SilverSneakers membership, which provides access to more than 15,000 participating gyms and fitness centers across the country in addition to on-demand classes. What’s more, with a SilverSneakers membership, you’ll unlock discounts from nutritionists, physical therapists, and other health services. If you already belong to a gym, be sure to ask if they participate in SilverSneakers. If not, they may have other discounts exclusively for senior members.
- Movie Theaters
Want to see that new movie with the rave reviews? You may be able to do so at a discount. Several movie theater chains offer senior days with discounted admission for the 60-plus crowd. AMC Theaters, Showcase Cinemas, and Cinemark all offer these discounts, varying by location. Before you head to the theater, check out their website or give them a call to see when their savings days are. You’ll feel guilt-free upgrading to a large popcorn with the money you saved on admission!
- Auto Services
When it comes to budgeting in retirement, there is nothing worse than a large, unexpected expense – like a car repair or costly servicing. Fortunately, you may be able to save some money on them. National auto service chains like Jiffy Lube and Midas offer service discounts to seniors with various age requirements. Call your location to see just how much you can save. And if you prefer to shop local, don’t hesitate to ask your mechanic or neighborhood auto shop if they offer similar savings opportunities.
- National Parks
Retirement comes with more time for the things you love – and what better way to spend some of this time than by taking in the sites of a national park? If you are age 62 or older, you can purchase a $20 Annual Senior Pass or an $80 Lifetime Senior Pass for lifetime access to over 2,000 national parks and recreation sites. Better yet, this pass also allows you to score discounts on park amenities such as camping or swimming. Talk about a deal!
- Grocery Stores
Inflation is on the rise – and so are the costs at the shelves. Fortunately, shopping at your local grocery store doesn’t have to break the bank. Several major grocery chains offer discounts on select days of the week for senior shoppers. Participating stores include Bi-Lo, Fred Meyer, Publix, Piggly-Wiggly, and Uncle Giuseppe Marketplace, but you’ll also want to ask at your local or regional retailers. And when you combine these discounts with the power of coupon clipping, the savings certainly add up.
- Transportation
Travel keeps seniors moving and active. And fortunately, doing so doesn’t have to break the bank. Several transportation companies offer savings exclusively for older adults. For instance, Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts to those ages 62 and older on rail and bus travel. If you plan on travelling by plane, note that several airlines offer special senior fares, varying by age. Participating airlines include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airlines, and US Airways, among others. And if you’re looking to set sail on your next getaway, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines all offer discount rates to cruisers ages 55 and older.
- Hotels and Resorts
…Speaking of getaways, several hotel and resort chains offer savings for senior travelers. While some discounts are only available during specific dates, there are often additional benefits such as late checkout or bonus reward points. Participating chains include select Best Western, Wyndham, Hilton, Marriott, Omni, and Radisson locations, among others. Next time you’re at the check-in desk, be sure to ask about these discounts and benefits.
- Shopping Retailers
Shopping doesn’t have to be bad for your budget. Especially when you account for the number of retailers offering a wide range of senior discounts both in-store and online. Better yet, the age requirements vary – with some shoppers being eligible for savings at just age 50! Belk, Joann, Kohl’s, Michaels, Rite Aid, and Walgreens all have senior discounts you can ask for. And if you like to shop at outlet centers, Tanger Outlets provide free coupon books to AARP members – with up to $1,000 in savings from brand-name retailers.
- Cell Phone Companies
Looking to save on monthly bills? Start with your cell phone company. AT&T, Consumer Cellular, T-Mobile, and Verizon have discounts for senior customers, varying by location. Even if your carrier does not have discounts advertised online, it’s worth calling to ask what savings opportunities may be available to you.
Ask and you shall receive! While discounts are subject to change, you’ll always want to check with the retailer for their latest savings opportunities. Plus, senior discounts vary by age – so you may be eligible to start saving as early as age 50!
For more money-savings tips, check out our blog. And if some of your expenses just can’t be cut, tapping into your home equity for some additional monthly income could be a viable solution.
Check out our Free Quote Calculator to see how much you may be eligible to receive, and for more information, contact the Longbridge team of reverse mortgage experts today.
