Life expectancy is continuing to rise. This makes it necessary to stretch retirement money especially for the seniors of the community. Statistics by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013 data shows that Americans live an average of 78.8 years. This is up from a life expectancy of about 70 in 1963. As we continue to live, we spend more time and resources on the way. Luckily there are fun activities that offer huge discounts for seniors.
These experiences and resources demand more money. Once we are in retirement, there is only so much that we have to fund the long lives ahead of us. With this in mind, there are certain fun and useful things that senior citizens can enjoy for free. Sometimes, at an incredible senior discount. The aim is to ensure you can keep as much money in your pocket as possible.
There are various organizations that offer membership to senior citizens when they reach a certain age (a majority of them over age 50). One of them is AARP. It is the largest US-based non-profit, non-partisan organization devoted towards empowering senior Americans who are above 50 to have control over their lives.
Here are some of the fun activities you can do and buy as a senior citizen in the United States. The discounts may vary from state to state, or even from city to city:
Clothing Shopping Fun Activities
There are certain clothing stores that offer seniors discounts. Kohi’s offers a 15% discount to people age 55 and over every Wednesday. On Tuesdays, Ross offers a 10% discount to their shoppers who are 55 years and older for the “Every Tuesday Club”. There are also many Goodwill stores that give seniors a discount on certain days of the week for their lightly used clothing or previously owned goods. These clothing discounts will vary depending on location.
Gym membership Fun Activities
If you are a group retiree or a senior who is part of a Medicare health plan, you may be eligible for a free Silver Sneakers membership. This free seniors membership gives you unlimited access to over 13,000 participating fitness facilities in the US and special classes and activities just for you. Therefore, you could also ask your local gym if they offer a seniors discount.
Utilities
Utilities can be a bit of a strain on your monthly expenses. Luckily, there are some utility providers that offer discounted rates to senior citizens. All you need to do is call your utility provider or municipal government and ask them whether they offer senior discounts. Depending on the state or city that you live, you could qualify based on your age or financial need. For instance, Georgia Power offers its senior citizens who are age 65 and older a seniors’ discount of up to 18 percent on their metered service if they meet the income qualifications. If you are a resident of the city of Chicago age 65 and older, when you apply for the discount, you will be exempted from sewer tax charges.
Automobile services
There are certain national chains such as Jiffy Lube and Midas that offer their senior citizens’ service discounts. As for the age requirements for these discounts they vary in different locations. Whenever you are doing some shopping in the local area, don’t hesitate to ask if the nearby auto repair shop offers a discount for seniors.
Movies
Do you love a great night out watching the big screen, munching on buttered popcorn? Seniors who are age 60 and over get to save up to 30% on regular admissions at a number of AMC Theatres. You can even get up to 60% on Tuesday Senior Days in some particular locations. If you are age 60 or older, you can enjoy Showcase Cinemas’ discounted $6 admission on Senior Wednesdays. Cinemark theaters also offer senior day discounts depending on location.
Recreational Sites and Parks
Are you big on nature and adventure? If you are a senior aged 62 and older, you can purchase a Senior Pass at only $10. This pass will give you unlimited lifetime access to more than 2000 federal recreational sites and national parks. Depending on the place you are visiting, your pass could also get you some great discounts on other amenities, for instance, swimming and camping.
Pottery and Painting Classes
You get the chance to explore the fun and exciting things you never really had the chance to before during retirement. Some of these fun things include painting, pottery, and drawing, among other arts and crafts. You can get senior discounts on such classes and finally enjoy the new hobby.
Traveling and Vacationing Fun Activities
Traveling and seeing the world is on most people’s bucket lists. After retirement, you deserve a trip to a nice hotel or resort where you can enjoy a great, relaxing vacation. You can get up to 10% off regular flight fares and up to 30% discounts on motel, hotel, and resort accommodation fees. The age at which you are eligible for the senior discount depends on location.
Sports Fun Activities
Golfing is a sport that has gained its popularity among senior citizens. The Fairfax National Country Club in Centreville offers weekday membership at $65 to people aged 60 and over. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) golf course offers a 50% discount card for county residents aged 60 and over. Other clubs like Lifetime Fitness – Centreville offers seniors age 60 and over a 10% discount on the initiation fee. In as much as you are into golf, basketball, or swimming, you might find a sports club or center that has the perfect seniors discount for you.
There are very many fascinating things to do after retirement, in your golden years. You can make the most out of these fun and exciting ventures without having to strain your retirement plan. These discounts are a representation of businesses’ and people’s recognition of the seniors in the community. Make the most out of them.
