Half-price admission to a local dance performance? A 10-percent discount on dinner? Reduced public transportation fees? Cheaper movie tickets and ski lift passes? Free entrance to national parks?
Yes, please.
This seemingly random list gives just a hint of the multitude of discounts available to Americans who are merging into the more mature phase of life. Beyond a bombardment of retirement organization requests, achieving “senior” status means access to exclusive deals and money-saving discounts.
Seniors are more than just early-bird dinner-eligible these days. Amie Clark, co-founder of the resource site TheSeniorList.com, a national directory for older Americans, has seen a 20 percent jump in money-saving perks offered to seniors in recent years. She suspects baby boomer and seniors asking for — and seeking out — discounts are driving more marketers to design campaigns to bring them in.
Not only are there more senior deals available right now, but they are no longer entitlements afforded to just those 62 and older. People as young as 50 years old (the entire baby boom generation) can seek out price breaks. And, along with those pesky gray hairs, you’ll gain access to more bargains the older you get.
“Baby boomers are all the rage these days,” says Clark. “They’re online, they’re active and they have money to spend.”
There’s an estimated 77 million baby boomers and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, an American turns 50 every seven seconds. Those 50 years old and older own about 65 percent of the aggregate net worth of all U.S. households, according to the U.S. Consumers Expenditure Survey.
“These statistics are staggering, and any marketer that isn’t strategizing about touching this group shouldn’t be in marketing,” Clark said.
If you’re on the cusp of turning 50, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve received an AARP brochure in the mail.
The interest group grants membership for $16 a year. Founded in 1958, the group originally welcomed only retirees, but began appealing to adults 50 and older in the early 80s.
“AARP makes available through its providers a wide variety of discounts for adults 50 plus, ranging from discounts on eye exams to special deals on live entertainment and movie tickets,” says Dave Austin, vice president of marketing services with AARP. Many of these perks are available throughout the year, but there are often limited-time offers, particularly on travel packages.
For example, AARP members can save up to $728 per couple on a European vacation booked before Feb. 6.
Organizations like AARP procure and promote discounts for members. But some steals aren’t necessarily ablaze on neon signs.
Sometimes, the best way to seize a good deal, regardless of where you fall on the age spectrum, is simply to ask.
“I think many are aware that there are discounts to be had,” says Clark. “Actually asking for them is another story.”
Clark speculates it’s a fear of hearing “no” that prevents some from asking for a discount. But think of it this way, she says: If you saved a dollar a day by asking for your 50-plus benefit, you could have well more than $300 by year’s end, she says. That’s no small change.
And, don’t be afraid to ask for a deal where you wouldn’t necessarily expect one. Cellphone suppliers, storage and lawn care companies, heating and air conditioning businesses and general contractors sometimes sweeten deals for seniors.
Of course, the Internet is also a great place to unearth a slate of senior benefits. The website SeniorDiscounts.com touts a directory of more than 250,000 offers. Kyle James compiled a lengthy list of current senior discounts on his money-saving site Rather-Be-Shopping.com at the request of his father who was always scouting out deals for restaurants, hotels and retail store.
“He is the most frugal guy I know, and it has allowed him to save for retirement from an early age, and he is now enjoying the fruits of his labor,” he says. “So the list is dedicated to him and folks like him who deserve every discount they can get.”
Sampling of senior discounts available
50 and older:
AARP offers many discounts to those 50 or older are through. You can join AARP for $16 a year. Membership includes your spouse or partner. Visit AARP.org for information.
Car rentals/services: Get up to 30 percent off at Avis, Budget and Payless. AARP also offers a discount roadside assistance package.
Entertainment: AARP members pay $8 for Regal ePremiere Tickets purchased online and can receive $3 off a small or larger popcorn and soft drink combo. Also, get four concerts tickets for the price of three via Ticketmaster and Live Nation (subject to availability, venue and artist restrictions).
Hotels: AARP members get up to 20 percent off at Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Wyndham, Super 8, Travelodge and Ramada hotels. Save from 5 to 15 percent at Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, Hyatt, Best Western and Comfort Inn hotels, among others.
Restaurants: Members can take advantage of dozens of dining deals, including 15 percent off at Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s. Get a free doughnut at Dunkin’ Donuts when you buy a large or extra large coffee. AARP members can also receive 25 percent off all online orders at papajohns.com with promo code AARP2.
Shopping: AARP members save $5 on any purchase of $25 or more at Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us, Monday through Thursday, when you show your AARP membership card. Discounts are also available at 1-800-FLOWERS.com, The Popcorn Factory and more. AARP members can get 30 percent off prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses at Lens Crafters.
Travel: Members can save up to $400 on British Airways flights and receive exclusive discounts with Liberty Travel.
Age 55 and older:
What you see above, plus some additional perks for non-AARP members:
Retail: Michael’s: Save 10 percent on your total arts and craft store purchase. Walgreens: Shop on a Seniors Savings Days and get a 20 percent discount (must be an AARP member).
Restaurants: Chili’s, TCBY and Wendy’s: These restaurants offer 10 percent discounts and IHOP Restaurants feature a 55-plus menu with lower prices.
Travel: Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer a discount to passengers 55 and older.
Age 62 and older:
Recreation: America the Beautiful Senior Pass (formerly Golden Age Passport): Available to those 62 years of age and older, the federal discount card is $10. The lifetime pass entitles you and up to three other adults—or a carload of people—free admission to more than 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites, as well as discounts on amenities, like camping. You can buy a pass in person from a participating federal recreation site, office or by mail. Visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm or call (888) 275-8747.
Retail: Join Rite Aid’s Living More Loyalty program for seniors (65 and older) and save an extra 10 percent on Tuesdays and 10 percent off prescriptions.
Amtrak: Rail travelers 62 and older are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10 percent senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and older.
Hotels: If you’re 62 or older, you can save at least 15 percent on your room rate at more than 2,000 Marriott hotels. Seniors save up to 50 percent at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts in the continental U.S. and Canada.
State/local deals:
CDTA: People 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, Medicare card and CDTA half-fare ID cardholders ride for half-fare on CDTA’s fixed route service. CDTA half-fare ID cards are issued by certain Departments for the Aging in Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, the two Authority Sales Offices and the CDTA Division in Troy. Call 437-6845 for information.
The Egg: For selected Dance NY performances, seniors 65 and older may purchase tickets at half off the regular adult rate one hour prior to showtime. Senior rush tickets are not available in conjunction with any other discount offer, are limited to two per ID and are subject to availability.
State Department of Environmental Conservation: Seniors, age 70 and older, get discounts on hunting and fishing licenses. Senior hunting license are $5; lifetime sporting or freshwater fishing licences are $65; bow hunting and muzzleloading licenses are free.
State Golden Park program: If you are a New York resident 62 or older, you may obtain free vehicle entry into state parks on non-holiday weekdays. You’ll need to show identification.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center: In 2014, senior citizens aged 55 and older could receive a $5 discount on amphitheater seats to any ballet matinee performance, or select priced seats for Opera Saratoga performances. Look for the same or similar discount for the 2015 season.
Do you know of any other great senior discounts? Share by commenting on the post!
With Shannon Fromma