“Every dollar saved is a dollar earned.” This motto is even more pertinent to people over the age of 55 in today’s economy, in which the rising cost of prices makes stretching the budget a necessity rather than a nicety. Here’s the best part: Many retailers, eateries, travel, and services offer senior discounts without fanfare, often before the age of retirement.
These are called the “Not-So-Senior” Benefits, and they could save dollars on daily expenses, make vacations more accessible, and even pay for a night on the town. The problem is, many of these discounts go unadvertised, and those in the loop reap the rewards while others catch zero breaks.
From the supermarket to the cruise line, here’s the lowdown on some of the most valuable discounts available once you reach the age of 55. Whether it’s a percentage off your grocery run or an discounts to the vacation of your dreams, these are the ways to save the most of your own dollars without having to skimp on the things that matter most to you.
1. Senior Days at Grocery Stores
There are also some supermarket chains that have allocated days exclusively for the elderly to enjoy some discounts. For instance, Fred Meyer allows 10% discounts for customers 55+ on the first Tuesday of every month; Albertsons allows 10% discounts on the first Wednesday of the year. Smaller chains in the region, named Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy, give 5% discounts to customers 60+ on every Tuesday.
These discounts sometimes include the exclusion of a few items, such as beer or medication, so it is a good idea to look closely at the specifics. Additionally, since discounts aren’t always an option in all areas, a quick phone call before making a wasted trip can save the hassle. Veterans can often benefit from these discounts as well, as stores sometimes grant the same discounts to military personnel.
2. Restaurant Discounts & Special Menus
Eating out need not stretch the family purse. Denny’s has a 55+ menu that provides cut-rate pricing and an extra 15% discount for AARP seniors. A 55+ menu from IHOP costs under $9 for breakfast or lunch combinations, while Jack in the Box provides a whopping 20% discount for seniors 55+ at participating outlets.
Some restaurants have their own agreements with AARP, such as Outback Steakhouse or Bonefish Grill, where 10% off food and beverages is offered. Often, since it is a chain restaurant, calling ahead about senior discounts can provide additional discounts.
3. Retail & Department Store Discounts
Some days of the week may be set aside by retailers for senior discounts. Kohl’s is offering a 15% discount every Wednesday to customers over 60 years old, while Ross Dress for Less gives a 10% discount every Tuesday to customers over 55 years old. The artistically inclined will benefit from a 10% discount at Michaels, along with other buys, when customers over 55 years old become a member of their rewards program.
It should be noted that lots of Goodwill stores hold senior discount days, where discounts may vary between 15% and 25%, depending on the store. This makes it an excellent option for those who are on a budget and would like to update themselves with new clothing or household items at a fraction of the price.
4. Prescription & Health Care Benefits
Walgreens stores offer Senior Days once a month, where MyWalgreens members aged 55 and older get up to 20% off qualifying products. AARP members can benefit from pharmacy discounts with the retailer’s collaborations with Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Kroger pharmacies.
Fitness opportunities include free access to thousands of gyms and group exercise classes, all provided through SilverSneakers, for those with Medicare Advantage and Medigap insurance. Fitness activities like yoga, water aerobics, and many more help improve and maintain personal health without hurting the wallet.
5. Travel Discounts with AARP
Membership with the AARP offers access to big discounts on travel packages. Airlines such as British Airways offer a discount of $65 on some travel packages for the membership cardholder. Hotel chains such as Best Western and Choice Hotel offer a flat discount of up to 10% from the normal rate.
Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean line offer senior discounts on travel packages targeting those above the age of 55 years. Car rental companies are involved in this discounting, with senior discounts of as much as 20% off the basic rate being offered with Hertz’s Fifty Plus Program to customers aged 50 and older.
6. Entertainment and Leisure Deals
Cinema houses such as AMC and Regal Cinemas provide discounted movie rates to viewers 60+, while additional concessions discounts apply to those that belong to the AARP. Live show ticketing services such as Ticketmaster occasionally provide member prices for select shows.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass offers unlimited entrance to national parks each year to anyone 62+ ages just $20 a year, while a lifetime pass costs $80. This one-time payment can prove priceless.
7. Savings from Cell Phone Plans
Large carriers have senior-friendly plans with discounts offered to this age group. T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 comes with two unlimited lines for $60 a month, while there is $30 a month savings offered by Verizon 55+ Unlimited Welcome to Florida customers. Then there is Consumer Cellular, widely used by seniors, with a senior discount of 5% off their service fees, and up to 30% off select accessories for AARP members.
But for those who want extra safety features, the phones from Lively come with urgent response buttons as well as caregiver applications. This is a great benefit for the elderly, who will appreciate the connectivity offered as well as the peace of mind.
8. Membership-Based Daily Savings
In addition to discounts on travel, being an AARP member may help you save money at a variety of businesses. Papa John’s provides a discount of 20% when ordering online, while UPS offers a discount of 5% on shipping and as much as 15% on select merchandise.
Valvoline reduces prices by 15% on oil changes, and a discount of $20 a year can be obtained from Walmart+.As many of them insist on flashing your membership card, always carrying it will help you never miss a saving opportunity.
9. Ask Even If It’s Not Advertised
“The first thing that is important is simply to ask,” Hahl says. “A lot of organizations don’t advertise discounts available to seniors, especially independently owned ones.” Whether at a supermarket, repair shop, or coffee shop, asking about a senior discount could pay off with big savings. The worst that can happen with the experiment is hearing the word “no,” but the best that can possibly happen is walking away with additional money in your pocket. Over time, these successes will compound to provide significant budgetary relief.
For people over the age of 55, senior discounts go beyond just being convenient perks they’re actually essential aids that help keep the cost low without diminishing the experience. The trick is knowing where to turn, taking advantage of services like the AARP, and following up on some special deals that may never reach your ears from basic items to dream vacations, it’s possible to get a discount. The idea is to remain resourceful, and the sooner you take advantage, the sooner you watch your returns compound.
