Aging comes with a few undeniable perks—like wisdom, confidence, and the ability to say whatever you want without caring what people think. But let’s talk about the real reward for making it this far: senior discounts.
That’s right! You’ve spent decades paying full price, and now, it’s time for the world to cut you a deal. The problem? Not all discounts are well advertised, and some businesses act like they’re doing you a huge favor by knocking a few cents off your coffee.
So, let’s break it down—where to score the best deals, how to ask for them with confidence, and why you should never pay full price again.
🛒 Grocery Store Discounts: Because Groceries Cost More Than Rent Now
We all have to eat, but that doesn’t mean we have to overpay for bread. Some grocery stores offer discounts on specific days, but they won’t always tell you about them.
🥦 Kroger – Many locations offer a senior discount day, usually 10% off. But you may need to ask the manager because they like to keep it a secret handshake situation.
🍎 Publix – Select stores give seniors discounts on certain days, usually Wednesdays. Because apparently, discounts taste better mid-week.
🥩 Safeway/Albertsons – Some locations offer up to 10% off, but it’s a wild guessing game figuring out which ones. Call ahead or charm a cashier into revealing the truth.
🛒 Harris Teeter – 60+ seniors get 5% off every Thursday, just in time to stock up for the weekend or to refill the candy dish for grandkids who visit unannounced.
💡 Snarky Tip: Always ask at the register. If you hesitate, they’ll assume you want to pay full price like some kind of amateur.
☕ Restaurant & Coffee Discounts: Because Coffee Should Be Free at This Point
If there’s one thing that should be a basic human right, it’s cheap coffee for seniors. Thankfully, a few places understand this:
- McDonald’s – Discounted coffee and drinks at most locations because they know seniors keep the dining room lively until 3 PM.
- Denny’s – A 55+ menu with smaller portions and smaller prices. Good news: it’s still plenty of food.
- IHOP – A special 55+ menu with better prices. (Translation: pancakes that don’t require a second mortgage.)
- Dunkin’ – AARP members get a free donut with their coffee. Yes, free. Because what’s coffee without a little sugar rush?
- Culver’s – 10% off your meal, because they know custard is a nutritional necessity.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask. If they hesitate, just say, “I worked too hard to pay full price for this.” It gets results.
🛍️ Retail Store Discounts: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Deal?
Goodwill – 10-20% off on Senior Discount Days (varies by location). Perfect for thrift shopping like a boss.
Ross Dress for Less – 10% off every Tuesday for 55+. Great for when you need discount home decor and a new purse all in one trip.
Walgreens – 20% off on Senior Day (once a month) with a myWalgreens membership.
Kohl’s – 15% off every Wednesday for 60+. Expect the cashier to apply seven more discounts at checkout.
💡 Hot Tip: If you don’t see a sign, ask with confidence. Most employees have no idea these discounts exist either.
🚗 Travel & Transportation Discounts: Because Adventure Awaits
Senior discounts don’t just save money—they fund your next great adventure.
🚆 Amtrak – 10% off fares for 65+. Perfect for scenic train rides where you can judge people’s life choices in peace.
🚌 Greyhound – 5% off for 62+, because it’s still a thing.
🌲 National Parks – $20 for a lifetime senior pass. That’s every national park, for life. Use it to tell younger tourists to stop littering.
🛫 Airlines – Some still offer senior fares, but they don’t advertise them. Call (yes, like it’s 1995) and ask.
🏨 Hotels – Marriott, Best Western, and Choice Hotels all have senior rates. It’s worth checking before you book.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask about senior rates before you book a trip. The money you save could go straight to a fancy meal or extra souvenirs.
💊 Health & Wellness Discounts: Because Prescription Prices Are a Crime
🏥 AARP Prescription Discounts – If you don’t have an AARP membership yet, bite the bullet and get one. The discounts are actually useful.
🩺 Rite Aid – 20% off on Senior Days, if you remind them it exists.
👓 Vision & Hearing Discounts – LensCrafters and Pearle Vision offer savings, but Costco Optical usually wins.
🏋️♂️ SilverSneakers – Free gym memberships through many insurance plans. Because why pay to exercise when you’ve already worked hard enough?
💡 Snarky Tip: Call your insurance and demand why they don’t cover SilverSneakers if they don’t. Make it their problem.
🎟️ Entertainment & Fun Discounts: Because Life Is Too Short to Be Bored
🎬 Movie Theaters – AMC, Regal, and Cinemark offer discount days for seniors.
🏛 Museums & Zoos – Many offer senior pricing or free days. Perfect for a cultured day out (or to secretly judge today’s youth).
🎭 Broadway & Local Theaters – Matinees are your best bet—fewer crowds, better prices, and no one talking through the show.
💡 Bonus Tip: If a place doesn’t offer a senior discount, look disappointed. Sometimes that’s enough to get a deal.
🛠️ The Secret to Getting More Discounts: Just Ask!
Here’s the thing—not every senior discount is listed. Some places offer them but only if you ask. So, ask. Ask everywhere. Ask like it’s your job.
🚨 Final Snarky Tip: Walk into a business, act like you own the place, and say,
"Do you have a senior discount?"
Worst-case scenario? They say no. Best case? You save money and walk out like a champion.