“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffet.
Retirement is the perfect time to enjoy the fruits of your lifelong labor, but managing a fixed income means every dollar counts. Fortunately, turning 50, 55, or 65 unlocks a treasure trove of senior discounts designed to help you stretch your budget further.
At HappilySenior, we want to help you take advantage of these perks so you can enjoy dining out, traveling, and shopping without breaking the bank. Here is your essential guide to navigating senior discounts!
The Golden Rules of Senior Discounts
Before we dive into the specific deals, keep these three rules in mind to maximize your savings:
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Always Ask: Many businesses do not boldly advertise their senior discounts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Make it a habit to simply ask, “Do you offer a senior discount?” at the checkout counter.
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Carry Your ID: Age requirements vary wildly—some start at 50, while others require you to be 62 or 65. Always keep your driver’s license or state ID handy to prove your age. Get a Senior Card at DMV if you are in California!
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Leverage AARP: While many discounts are strictly age-based, an AARP membership often unlocks steeper discounts and exclusive offers across dining, travel, and retail.
Dining Out
Whether you are grabbing a quick coffee or sitting down for a nice steak dinner, restaurants are incredibly generous with older adults.
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IHOP: Diners 55 and older can order directly from a specially priced 55+ menu featuring smaller portions and lower prices.
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Denny’s: Along with a dedicated 55+ menu, AARP members can score 15% off their check.
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Outback Steakhouse: AARP members receive 10% off their food and nonalcoholic beverages.
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McDonald’s: While it varies by franchise, many locations offer discounted or free coffee for patrons 55 and older.
Groceries & Retail Shopping
Trimming your everyday expenses is one of the fastest ways to improve your monthly budget.
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Kohl’s: Shoppers who are 60+ can receive 15% off their in-store purchases every Wednesday.
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Walgreens: Through their Seniors Day events (usually the first Tuesday of the month), shoppers 55+ or AARP members can get 20% off eligible items.
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JOANN: Keep an eye out for Senior Discount Days where shoppers 60+ can save 20% on their purchases.
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Grocery Stores: Depending on your region, chains like Publix, Hy-Vee, and Piggly Wiggly often designate a specific day of the week (usually Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) where seniors can save around 5% on their total grocery bill. Always check with your local store manager!
Travel & Transportation
Ready to see the world? Travel discounts can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.
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Hotels: Major chains like Marriott Hotels offer up to 15% off for guests 62 and older. AARP members can also find deals up to 10% off at Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels.
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Rental Cars: Avis and Budget Rent-A-Car offer significant savings—up to 35% off—for AARP members.
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Amtrak: Travelers aged 65 and older can generally save 10% on most rail fares.
Golf Courses
Los Angeles is heaven for golf players. Get a Los Angeles City Senior Card at golf.lacity.gov and you can get senior discount rates at beautiful golf courses, including Wilson & Harding, Rancho Park, and Hansen Dam. The only catch is you need to get up before 6:00 a.m. 9 days before and reserve a tee time—it’s a fierce competition that starts right at 6:00am. You should also get “Annual Los Angeles County Senior Citizen Identification Card” to play in such beautiful courses as Knollwood Golf Course at a discounted rate. You should reserve at 8pm 8 days before.
Note: Discount policies change frequently and vary heavily by franchise location. It is always best to call your local establishment ahead of time to confirm their current senior discount policy.