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How to Utilize Senior Discounts

Let’s face it: everyone loves a good deal, and as we get older we get more opportunities to save thanks to senior discounts. Here are our tips for saving and finding discounts and some of our favorite places that offer senior discounts.

Many businesses and services provide savings opportunities and special deals for seniors. Senior discounts are offered by businesses to encourage people over the age of 50 to purchase their items or services. This helps establish customer loyalty and ultimately benefits the business long-term. 

Here are some of our favorite places to use senior discounts!

Retail Stores: 

Many retail chains found in shopping malls or online offer senior discounts on certain days of the week. Stores such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, JCPenney’s, Hallmark, JOANN’s, Michaels, and Ross Dress for Less offer special discounts. Check their websites for additional details or talk to an employee at the store to get more information. There will usually be an age requirement to qualify for extra savings and those savings are often applied only one day of the week.

Some of our favorite stores to save at include:

  • Goodwill: 25% discount for seniors on Tuesdays
  • JOANN: 20% off on senior discount day
  • Kohl’s: 15% discount
  • Ross Dress for Less: 10% discount
  • Michaels: 10% discount

Restaurants: 

Dining out these days seems just as expensive as purchasing groceries so to help save a bit some restaurants offer their senior customers discounts on certain items or your full purchase. Savings often range from 10 to 15 percent but may be higher depending on the restaurant and the location. Restaurants such as Applebee’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Denny’s, IHOP, and Cracker Barrel offer senior discounts to make dining out more affordable. If you have an AARP card when paying for your food you can present your card at checkout and can receive a discount at certain participating stores.

Some of our favorite restaurants to save at include:

  • Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off
  • Applebee’s: 10% off
  • Denny’s: 15% discount
  • IHOP: savings on 55+ menu
  • Chick-fil-A: 10% off a free small beverage

Travel: 

Going on vacations or traveling can be pricey when adding up airfare costs, hotels, and rental vehicles. AARP is a great resource for senior discounts of all sorts including travel discounts for accommodations as well as various airlines and car rental companies. AARP members benefit from having access to savings and other helpful resources and may even receive discounts on travel packages. 

Some of our favorite ways to save with travel include:

  • Carnival cruises: exclusive savings offered for seniors
  • Royal Caribbean: exclusive senior pricing
  • Hertz: save up to 20% with their 50+ program
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts: save with their senior discount rate program
  • Marriott: save with their senior discount rate at certain locations
  • Amtrak: save 10% on rail fares
  • Delta Airlines: senior discounts available for certain flights
  • Greyhound: discounts available for certain destinations and dates

Entertainment: 

Attractions and entertainment such as museums, theaters, and parks offer discounted admission for seniors. Just check their website or call before going to find out their discount rules and the days they’re offered. 

Some of our favorite entertainment discounts include:

  • AMC Theaters: discounted tickets offered daily at select locations
  • Regal Cinemas: with AARP save up to 20% on tickets online
  • Cinemark Theaters: Early bird special and discounted tickets on Senior’s day
  • National Parks seniors pass: an $80 lifetime park pass

AARP:

Also known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is a group in the United States focusing on issues affecting those over the age of fifty. While it is targeted toward older adults and seniors, membership is open to anyone 18 or older. Many businesses offer senior discounts through membership programs such as AARP. By getting a membership through AARP or a similar organization you can have access to a wide range of discounts and various benefits.

Tips to ask for and obtain a senior discount:

  • Inquire politely: simply ask if a senior discount is available, no need to be nervous!
  • Carry your ID: some places may require proof of age, having your driver’s license or another form of ID can help you take advantage of the discounts.

The benefits of using a senior discount:

Discounts for seniors offer cost savings on everyday expenses as well as budget management. This can help contribute to an enhanced quality of life and increased social interaction.

If you’re out and about shopping and are unsure if a store offers senior discounts don’t be afraid to ask! Lots of stores offer discounts on certain days of the week, so get those extra savings! Be sure to contact your local stores to verify their senior discounts! Senior discounts help make it easy to save money. By understanding the benefits and asking simple questions, seniors can take advantage of these opportunities.

What are some of your favorite places to shop that have senior discounts? Share with us on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page. 

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling

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