Even as a child, I enjoyed spending time with my grandparents and aunties. Maybe I’m an anomaly. But, I loved hearing their stories and the wisdom that they shared — particularly when it came to money.
My grandparents enjoyed the fruits of their labor. They were also incredibly generous. At the same time, they never lived above their means and stuck pretty close to a budget.
Despite the best efforts of most people today — debt among older Americans has skyrocketed a stunning 543% within the last decade. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, from 1999 through 2019, total debt for Americans over age 70 increased is now at $1.1 trillion.
Additionally, debt, such as mortgage and auto loans for those in their 60s increased by 471% to $2.14 trillion.
More troublesome? A 2018 academic study reported:
“The social safety net for older Americans has been shrinking for the past couple decades. The risks associated with aging, reduced income, and increased healthcare costs, have been off-loaded onto older individuals. At the same time, older Americans are increasingly likely to file consumer bankruptcy, and their representation among those in bankruptcy has never been higher.”
If you’re a young adult why would this concern you? It’s anticipated that by 2034 older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Suffice to say, this should be concerning for everyone — regardless of age.
There is a silver lining though. Planning your retirement savings as soon as possible and avoiding debt as much as possible are excellent starting points. But, you should also enjoy your golden years without stressing too much over money? And, you can do so by taking advantage of the 101 discounts that are exclusive to senior citizens.
Restaurants
1. Applebee’s
Those over 60 can receive 10 – 15% off their total bill at this casual dining chain. Note that this varies by location and may require a Golden Apple Card.
2. Bonefish Grill
Simply present your AARP card and get 10% off.
3. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Another seafood restaurant that will take 10% off for AARP members.
4. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Here’s yet another 10% off an entire meal discount for AARP members. Varies by location.
5. Chili’s Bar & Grill
Patrons who are at least 55 years old are eligible for 10% off at participating locations.
6. CiCi’s Pizza
Those over 60 can get receive 10% at this pizza buffet restaurant chain. However, because they are individually owned, discounts can vary.
7. Dairy Queen
Participating locations offer free drinks or 10% off treats, including the famous Blizzard. to customers over 55 years of age.
8. Denny’s
With an AARP membership card, you can get 15% off off your purchase.
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Customers 60+ are eligible for a 10% discount on a baker’s dozen of bagels. Also, right now, anyone can receive a free iced or hot coffee if you order ahead.
10. El Pollo Loco
If you’ve over 60 then you can get a 10% discount.
11. Fazoli’s
Become a member of Club 62 for special senior menu items.
12. IHOP
If you’re craving breakfast, take advance of the specials on the 55+ menu. There are also dinner options as well.
13. Krispy Kreme
Patrons over 50 can take 10% off orders at participating locations.
14. Old Country Buffet
The nationwide buffet-style restaurant offers daily deals for seniors (55+).
15. Outback Steakhouse
Show your AARP card to save 10%.
16. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Fifty-Five Plus meal deals during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
17. Rainforest Cafe
Present your AARP card when checking out to take 10%.
18. Ryan’s Grill Buffet & Bakery
Contact your local store to know which offers are available for seniors.
19. Saltgrass Steak House
AARP members save 10% (50+).
20. Shoney’s
If you’re over 60, sign-up for the Golden Age Card for 10% off.
21. Sizzler
Most restaurants have a specially priced menu for seniors. However, other locations may offer discounts of up to 15% off.
22. Subway
Certain locations offer those 60+ a 10% discount.
23. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Discounts on 3-course meals from the senior’s menu.
24. TCBY
If you’re in the mood for yogurt, and over 55, you can receive a 10% discount.
25. Whataburger
If you are 55 or older, you can either get a free coffee/small soft drink or a 10% discount.
Groceries
26. Albertson’s
Those over 55 can receive a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of the month at any of the 400 plus participating grocery stores across the country.
27. Bi-Lo
Seniors over the age of 60 should print and fill out this application. If you do, you can receive a Senior BONUSCARD where you get 5% off every Wednesday.
28. Compare Foods Supermarket
On Tuesday, shoppers 60+ can take an additional 10% off.
29. Fred Myer
On the first Tuesday of every month, seniors age 55+ are eligible to take an additional 10% off select items.
30. Harris Teeter
If you use your VIC card, you can receive a 5% discount every Thursday. If you forget your card, just let the cashier know.
31. Hy-Vee
Sign up and present for your Senior Citizen Discount Club to enjoy a 5% savings every Wednesday.
32. Kroger
Senior discounts vary at the country’s largest grocery store chain. Please contact your local store to find out what deals are available.
33. Piggly Wiggly
5% every Wednesday for those 60 and up.
34. Publix
A 5% discount on Wednesdays at select locations for anyone 60 plus.
35. ShopRite
Varies by location, but Price Plus Card Members 62 years of age or older can get a 5% discount on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
36. Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace
Seniors over the age of 65 can enjoy an additional 5% off on Wednesdays at Uncle G’s.
37. American Airlines
In select markets, discounted rates may be available for those 65+. When booking, sure select “Senior” in the Passenger drop-down menu or call the airline directly.
38. Amtrak
Travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible for a 10% discount on most rail fares. If heading into Canada, a 10% Senior discount will be applied for anyone aged 60 and over.
39. Bus Lines
Greyhound offers a 5% fare discount to passengers who are 62. Passengers who are 62 years old can take 15% off their fare on Peter Pan.
40. Car Rentals
As an AARP member, you can receive discounts at Avis, Budget, Payless, and Zipcar.
41. Cruises
Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer reduced senior prices on select sailings for those over 55.
42. Hotels and Resorts
Through AARP, you have access to senior discounts at a number of hotels and resorts. These include:
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
- Best Western
- Clarion
- Comfort Suites
- Days Inn
- Dreams Resorts and Spas
- Grande Shores
- Hilton (Doubletree, Hampton, Hilton Grand Vacations)
- Kingsmill Resort
- Resorts of Pelican Beach
- Tranquility Bay Resort
- Travelodge
- Wyndham (Days Inn, Ramada, Wyndham Grand)
43. Regional Transit Authorities
Passengers over 65 are eligible for discounts at Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), RTD Denver, and Sun Metro.
44. Uber
Through a partnership with Stop&Shop, Uber is providing a 50% discount for anyone over 60 to and from all stores during senior shopping hours. If this promotion is not available in your area, visit Uber’s site for coupons.
45. United Airlines
Various discounted flights for those over the age of 65.
Clothing and Retail
46. Ace Hardware
Most locations offer a 10% discount to seniors.
47. Amazon
Want another perk of being an AARP member? You’ll get exclusive deals from Amazon, such as 50% off select books.
48. Banana Republic
Not all locations participate. But, those that do offer 10% off.
49. Belk
On the first Tuesday of every month, those who are over 62 are eligible can save up to 20% on most purchases.
50. Big Lots
Some locations provide discount savings cards, while other locations offer up to 10 percent off via their discount programs.
51. Burkes Outlet
Every Monday seniors are offered a 15% discount.
52. Dirt Cheap
At participating stores, seniors over 60 years of age can get a 10% in-store discount every Tuesday.
53. Goodwill
If you stop by your local Goodwill on Thursdays, and you’re over 60, you can save an additional 10%.
54. Joann Fabrics
Customers over 55 have access to Senior Discount Days once each month and will receive a 20% discount.
55. Kohls
On Wednesdays customers aged 60 or better will get a 15% discount.
56. LensCrafters
AARP members can get an eye exam for just $55. They can also take 30% off eyeglasses and 10% off Transitions lenses with frame purchase.
57. Micheals
After registering your Michaels Rewards account, you can use your Senior discount of 10% online and in-store every day. It can even be applied to sale items!
58. Pep Boys
A 10% discount is provided daily as long as you’re over 55.
59. Ross
On Tuesdays, shoppers over the age of 65 can save 10% on their purchases.
60. Salvation Army Thrift Stores
While discounts vary, you can usually expect to take 15-50% off your purchase for those 55 and up.
61. Stage Department Stores
Bealls, Goody’s Palais Royal, Peebles, Stage, and Gordman’s are all apart of the same family. If you join the Style Circle Rewards program, you’ll be able to save 20% off every Tuesday — just as long as you’re over 40.
62. Stein Mart
On the first Monday of every, shoppers 55+ can receive 10%.
63. Tanger Outlets
As an AARP member, you can take 20% off at select stores.
64. TJ Maxx
If you reside in Florida and are 55 or older, you can save 10% on Mondays.
65. The UPS Store
Show your AARP membership card and save 15% off select products and services, as well as 5% off shipping services.
Health and Wellness
66. AARP
With your handy membership, you can receive discounts at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. You can use it to obtain deals on hearing aids, glasses, and Weight Watchers. If that weren’t enough, there are useful tools like Staying Sharp featuring games and recipes.
67. Atera Spas
You’ll have to contact the spa to receive a quote in what your discount will be.
68. Dragonfly Hot Yoga
Those over 65 are eligible for a 10 class pass for just $150.
69. Free of Low-Cost Hearing Aids
Please don’t spend several thousand dollars on a hearing aid — escipically when there are free options from:
- Medicare or Medicaid
- Your insurer
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Groups like Miracle-Ear Foundation, Hearing Aid Project, Help America Hear, or Starkey Hearing Foundation
If you can not obtain a free hearing aid, membership warehouses like Costco sell them at an affordable price.
70. Gifts of Healing
If you’re 60 or older, you can take 10% off a therapeutic massage. The catch? It has to be anyone before 4 pm Tuesday through Friday.
71. RiteAid
Join the wellness65+ program for free and enjoy benefits like 20% off the first Wednesday of every month and free pharmacist consultation.
72. RxFreeCard
Discounts on prescriptions for seniors.
73. Silver Sneakers
Senior citizens can get a free gym membership. There are also free virtual classes, on-demand workouts, and a fitness app.
If there isn’t a location near you, many other chains like Gold’s and Planet Fitness also offer senior discounts for gym memberships.
74. Walgreens
With a Balance Rewards card or AARP membership, you can save 20-30% once per month.
75. WellRX
With a free Prescription Discount Card, senior citizens can save 60-80% on prescription medicines at select pharmacies.
Banking
76. Axos Bank
Axos Bank’s Golden Checking account is designed specifically for individuals 55 years of age and older. It’s a checking account that comes with features like no minimum monthly balance requirements, free checks, ATM reimbursement fees, and 0.20% APY* on all balances.
77. BB&T
The BB&T Senior Checking is another option for anyone over 55. It does require $100 to open an account, but when you do you’ll receive free checks and no monthly fees. You can also make a one-time penalty fee If you need to withdraw from you CD if it’s for a medical emergency
78. Charles Schwab Bank
If you’re comfortable managing your account online, you might want to consider this option. It comes with perks like free checks, no domestic or international fees, and yields you interest. If you do have any problems, the bank is known for its stellar customer satisfaction.
79. Citizens Bank
Citizens Banks offers a Senior Savings account for those 55 and up, which s a straightforward savings account. There’s also the Senior Citizens Advantage and Senior Budget accounts that have benefits including no maintenance fees and overdraft service.
80. TD Bank
TD Bank’s TD 60 Plus Checking account is for customers 60 years of age and older. IT provides free money orders, personal checks, and cashier’s checks. It also pays interest — currently 0.05% annual percentage yield (APY).
Entertainment and Recreation
81. AARP Events
Members have access to exclusive events like community block parties.
82. AMC
Senior pricing on tickets is available for most shows. Discounts are often up to 30 percent off for most shows. Besides AMC, the following cinemas also offer senior discounts:
- Angelika Film Center
- Bow-Tie Cinemas
- Cinemark
- Ford’s Theatre
- Grand Theatre
- Marcus Theaters
- Regal Cinemas
- Showcase Cinemas
83. America the Beautiful Senior Pass
U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can purchase the annual senior pass for $20 or the $ 80-lifetime pass. These can be used at both national parks and federal recreational lands.
84. Busch Gardens Tampa
Anyone over 50 can $3 off a one-day ticket.
85. Golf
Many courses, such as Fox Creek Golf Course, have discounted 18 hole rates for seniors. Prices vary fro weekdays and weekends.
86. Museums
Seniors age 65 and older can receive a $6 discount at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will take $8 off normals ticket prices. The Whitney Museum of American Art, Midway Museum, and Orlando Museum of Art are other museums that offer senior discounts.
87. The National Baseball Hall of Fame
$5 discount on admission for seniors. And, speaking of baseball, many MLB teams like the A’s and Yankees offer discounted tickets to games.
88. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Those who are over 55 can take $2 off a one-day ticket.
89. Ticketmaster
AARP members can “save on tickets to select shows and events. Offers include 2-for-1 tickets, Me + 3 (4-packs), and events with select tickets under $40.”
90. Zoos and Aquariums
Zoos, such as the Dallas Zoo offers special senior discounts like $5 admission on Wednesdays.
Communication and Internet Service
91. AT&T
Anyone over 55 can get 1 line for $60 or 2 lines for $80. Live in Flordia? Get 2 lines with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $40 a month.
92. Consumer Cellar
Get out your AARP membership card again and use it to take off 5% on monthly service.
93. T-Mobile
T-mobile offers several 55+ unlimited plans that start at $27.50/month.
94. Verizon
Verizon also has monthly 55+ plans for $60 per line.
95. Xfinity
If you’re 62 or older and reside in eligible areas you may be able to purchase the Internet Essentials plan for $9.95/month plus tax.
Misc.
96. Auto Services
Chains like Jiffy Lube, Midas, Valvoline offer discounts on labor and service. AARP also provides a wide range of gas and auto services like roadside assistance and discounts on insurance.
97. Education
“Continuing education programs are available at many colleges and universities to those 60 and over for a small fee,” writes Jeff Yeager for AARP. “It may even be free, so check with the programs near you.”
For example, students age 62 and older can attend classes at the University of Utah “on an audit or noncredit basis for only $25 per semester,” adds Yeager. “In Ohio, residents 60 and older can attend university classes at no cost when space is available.”
98. Genealogy and Family
For AARP members you can receive a 30% discount on annual World Membership Access from Ancestry.
99. Haircuts
National hair salon brands like Great Clips and Supercuts typically take off $2 to $3.
100. Pets
Some humane societies, such as the Tri-County Humane Society, will waive adoption fees on cats for those 55 and up. Pet Palace offers a 10% senior discount on pet boarding and bath fees. And, Pet Pros has a 5% senior discount on pet supplies to customers who are at least 62 years old.
101. Housing and Utilities
“The U.S Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program modifies the appliances in your home to make them more energy-efficient,” notes Bents Dulcio for Debt.org. “The average household saves $283 a year on energy.”
Additionally, if you have to make emergency repairs to your home look into section 504 Home Repair Program. It provides a grant of up to $7,500 for repairs. And, if you’re having difficulty making rent, check out the Housing Choice Vouchers Program.
As for utilities, contact your utility providers and municipal government. For example, “Georgia Power offers seniors 65 and older a discount of up to $18 on their metered service if they meet income qualifications,” says Yeager.
Senior Discount Cards, Programs, and Directories
In addition to the AARP, seniors may also be able to obtain exclusive deals through the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), American Seniors Association (ASA), National Council on Aging, and SeniorDiscounts.com. You can also use the Seniors Resource Guide to find national and local directories relating to categories like housing, health services, and community programs.
