Unlock Your Savings: What Discounts Do You Get at Age 60?

According to the National Council on Aging, senior discounts are a powerful tool for stretching your retirement budget. Many people wonder, what discounts do you get at age 60 and beyond? By tapping into these often-overlooked benefits, you can make your money go further while enjoying your golden years.

Quick Summary

Individuals aged 60 and over can access a wide array of discounts on everyday purchases, including retail, dining, travel, and more. Leveraging these savings is an excellent way to enhance your financial security and make the most of your retirement income. Age requirements and discount amounts can vary by company and location, so it's wise to always inquire before you purchase.

Key Points

• Age 60 unlocks savings: Reaching 60 allows you to access a broad range of discounts from retail stores, grocery chains, restaurants, and entertainment venues [1, 2, 7].

• Always inquire: Not all businesses advertise their senior discounts, so you should always ask if a special rate is available before making a purchase [1].

• Join membership organizations: Joining groups like AARP can grant access to an even wider array of discounts on travel, insurance, and wireless services for individuals aged 50 and older [1, 4].

• Check age requirements: The eligibility age for senior discounts varies by company, with some starting at 50 and others at 60 or 65 [1, 2, 5].

• Utilize national park benefits: Americans aged 62 and up can purchase a lifetime Senior Pass for a one-time fee, providing access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites [1, 6].

Your Guide to Senior Discounts at Age 60

Reaching age 60 often unlocks access to a variety of discounts from businesses and organizations, serving as a valuable tool for managing finances during retirement. These savings extend across numerous categories, from daily necessities to leisure activities, and can significantly impact a senior's budget. Knowing where and how to find these discounts is key to maximizing their benefits.

Retail and Grocery Discounts

Many retailers and grocery stores offer special discounts for seniors, which can help reduce regular expenses.

Popular Retailer Discounts

Retailers like Kohl's and Michaels often provide weekly or daily discounts for shoppers aged 55 or 60 and older [1, 2, 7]. Goodwill and Ross Dress for Less may also have specific senior discount days [1, 2]. Rite Aid's wellness65+ program offers special savings, including a monthly discount day [1].

Grocery Store Savings

Grocery chains such as Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Albertsons, and Bi-Lo may offer weekly or monthly discounts for seniors, though age requirements can vary by location [1, 2, 7].

Travel and Entertainment Deals

Traveling and enjoying leisure activities can be more affordable with senior discounts.

Airlines and Transportation

Major airlines like American, Delta, and United may offer senior fares on select routes, although it's recommended to call customer service directly [1]. Amtrak provides a discount for travelers aged 65 and over, while Greyhound offers savings for those 62 and up [1, 2, 7].

Hotels and Accommodations

Hotel chains including Marriott, Best Western, and Choice Hotels offer discounted rates for guests aged 55, 60, or 62 and older [1, 2, 7].

Activities and Leisure

The America the Beautiful Senior Pass is a significant benefit for U.S. citizens aged 62 and over, providing lifetime access to federal recreation sites for a one-time fee [1, 6]. Movie theaters like AMC also offer special senior ticket pricing [1].

The Value of a Membership: AARP

AARP membership is available to individuals aged 50 and over and provides access to an extensive network of discounts [4].

AARP Member Benefits

Members can receive discounts at various restaurants, on travel including hotels and car rentals, and on services like wireless plans and health and wellness products [4].

Comparison of Common Senior Discounts at Age 60

Here's a brief overview of some common senior discount opportunities:

Company/Program	Age Requirement	Discount Type	Frequency
Kohl's	60+	15% off	Wednesdays
Ross Dress for Less	55+	10% off	Tuesdays
U.S. National Parks Pass	62+	Lifetime pass for all parks	One-time fee
Marriott Hotels	62+	Up to 15% off	Any time
AARP Membership	50+	Wide range of discounts	Ongoing
Goodwill	55+ (varies by location)	15-25% off	Weekly Senior Day

How to Secure Your Discounts

To ensure you receive available senior discounts, it's essential to always ask about them, as they are not always automatically applied [1]. Be prepared to show identification to verify your age, as eligibility can vary between companies, typically starting at 50, 60, or 65 [1, 2, 5]. Consider whether membership organizations like AARP offer benefits that outweigh their cost [1, 4]. Also, compare senior discounts with other available coupons or promotions, as sometimes another offer might provide a greater saving [1].

Conclusion

Turning 60 opens the door to numerous discounts that can help manage expenses and enhance your quality of life during retirement. By actively seeking out these opportunities in retail, grocery, travel, and entertainment, and by considering relevant memberships, you can achieve significant savings. A simple inquiry is often all it takes to access these valuable benefits and enjoy your senior years to the fullest. For more information on senior benefits and programs, visit the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/ [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the general age for senior discounts?

While it varies by company, many senior discounts start at age 55, with a broader range of options becoming available at age 60 and even more at 65 [1, 2, 5].

Do you need an AARP card to get discounts at age 60?

No, you don't always need an AARP card. While AARP provides access to exclusive benefits, many businesses offer discounts simply based on a driver's license or other proof of age [1, 4].

Are senior discounts offered on specific days?

Yes, many retail and grocery stores have a designated 'Senior Day' each week where they offer special discounts. It is best to call ahead or check the store's website for specific days and age requirements [1, 2, 7].

What kind of travel discounts do you get at age 60?

Travel discounts for those aged 60 and up can include reduced rates on hotels (e.g., Marriott), discounted airfare (by calling the airline directly), and cheaper fares on bus and train services like Amtrak and Greyhound [1, 2, 7].

How do I get the National Parks Senior Pass at age 60?

The lifetime Senior Pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and over. You can purchase the pass online, by mail, or in person at a federal recreation site [1, 6].

Can I combine a senior discount with other offers?

Generally, no. Most businesses have a policy that prevents combining a senior discount with other coupons or promotions. It is important to compare offers to ensure you are getting the best deal [1].

Do you get discounts on phone plans at age 60?

Yes, some mobile carriers offer specific plans or discounts for customers aged 55 or 60 and over, often advertised as '55+' or 'Senior' plans. Check with carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon for details [2].