Turning 60 is a big deal. Sure, you’re not quite the age where you can claim Medicare, but reaching the golden years still has advantages, especially when you can now use senior discounts on some of your most frequent purchases (and even the fun ones too).
Senior discounts are easily one of the biggest benefits of turning older. Getting discounts from your favorite stores, restaurants, and other entertainment can help you stretch your budget while still living life to the fullest.
Best Senior Discounts
While many stores and restaurants offer senior discounts, it’s not compulsory. Even the smallest discounts can add up quickly, so don’t hesitate to ask about any special programs wherever you visit. Every store has its own policy, which can vary from location to location. Some stores offer senior discounts as early as 55 years, while others may not offer any until 65. Here are some of the best senior discounts that can help stretch your budget.
Grocery Stores
A number of grocery stores offer discounts for seniors if you come in on a certain day of the week. For Bashas, Fry’s, Safeway will give seniors (defined as over 55) a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of the month. Harris Teeter, which is in the Southeast and east coast, gives a 5% discount to seniors over age 60 every Thursday. Hy-Vee, a chain in the midwest, also offers a 5% discount on Thursdays for people over age 55. Kroger, popular in the Northeast, unfortunately discontinued it’s Senior program in 2024.
I know some people listening are in California where Ralphs and Vons are quite common and from what I can tell they don’t offer any senior discount, although it wouldn’t hurt to ask your local store. So since groceries are one of the bigger expenses we have, I would check your local grocery stores to see what senior discounts might be available. And then obviously buy as much as you need when you can get 5% or 10% off your purchase.
Phone Service
Many cellphone providers offer senior discount plans, but the availability of these programs varies significantly by state. T-Mobile is one provider that offers senior discounts nationwide for individuals 55+.
As a senior, you can get up to four discounted lines. You can choose from three different plans ranging from $30 to $65 per line. Note that you’ll need to purchase at least two lines with this offer. T-Mobile’s middle and top plan currently includes a Netflix and AppleTV+ subscription. So it’s worth considering porting your number if you are with a different carrier, as long as T-Mobile provides coverage where you live.
AT&T also offers a savings plan for AARP members that will let you save $10/per line on their unlimited plan.
Finally, Mint Mobile offers seniors over age 55 a cell phone plan at only $15/mo, which is quite low. Mint obviously is the smallest name here, but I will say I use them for my phone service and I haven’t had any issues at all, while paying around half the price I used to pay for AT&T. I would definitely make sure to test it in your area to make sure they have enough cell towers, but if they do, it’s a really solid service at an affordable price.
America the Beautiful Senior Pass
Now, this is a unique type of senior discount that is perfect for individuals who want to adventure and explore in their retirement. The America the Beautiful Senior Pass, formerly known as the Golden Age Passport, gives you access to over 2,000 recreation sites and National Parks managed by Federal Agencies. It also discounts campsites, facilities, guided tours, concessionaire fees, special use permit fees, etc.
This pass is available for US permanent residents 62 years and older. You need to purchase a pass to avail of these discounts. Passes can be purchased for $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass. A regular pass costs $80 annually, so if you’re planning on visiting several national parks, the cost of a pass is worth it.
Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a free health program designed to help keep seniors active and fit. While you still have to do the work to stay healthy, Silver Sneakers gives you access to gyms, pools, walking tracks, and group exercise classes throughout the country. There are 15,000 locations that are included in silver sneakers, and if you can’t make the gym, there are even online classes on fitness and nutrition.
While the program is designed for 65+, you do need to have a qualifying Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement plan. However, not every one of those plans covers Silver Sneakers, so you need to double check your plan. Also, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) do not cover the program. You can check your eligibility or find gyms or classes online.
Movie Discounts
Seniors who stay social tend to live longer, so why not get the gang together and see the latest release? Many major movie chains offer discounts for seniors, not just on tickets but concessions too! Movie theaters that offer senior discounts include AMC Theaters, Regal Entertainment Group, Cinemark USA, Inc., and Landmark Cinemas. Other local theaters may also offer senior discounts. You can always look online to order tickets and avail of the senior discount or ask at the ticket counter for confirmation.
The same is true for live performances and theater arts as well. Just check with the ticket counter about senior discounts. Even if there is no senior discount, they can give you information about discounted tickets such as matinees.
AARP Discounts
AARP can sometimes get a bad rap because they do have some political opinions and advocacy that not everyone wants to get behind, but there are many benefits associated with membership! AARP is a nonprofit organization focused on helping everyone live well as they age. While there is no minimum age for membership, the available benefits may have minimum age restrictions starting around 50+ years.
You do have to pay for this membership program, but you can easily make up the cost in just a few purchases since it only costs $16 per year. As an AARP member, you’ll get access to over 300 different discount programs, including programs for insurance, prescriptions, finances, groceries, travel, and more.
Senior Discount By State
There are many websites that aggregate location specific discounts. I quickly googled “Senior discounts in California, Arizona, Florida” and saw that there were plenty of lists of the best senior discounts available. I would check your state and any local stores to see what discounts you could get.
Make Sure Your Expenses Come In Under Budget
As I’ve said numerous times, the most important thing for your retirement is knowing what your monthly expenses are, and making sure that what you spend can be justified by all your sources of income. If things are close, then taking advantage of any and every discount will be of high importance in your retirement.
If you’re not sure whether you have the income to justify your expenses, you can schedule a call with me where we’ll put together a free retirement plan that covers that and much more. Click here to book a call now.