Senior Citizen Age
From LoveToKnow Seniors
There is not a set senior citizen age. It varies, depending on the organization or agency involved.
Senior Citizen Age Varies
The age at which a person is eligible for seniors rewards or discounts can be set by the businesses and organizations that serve them. For example, some companies consider a person to be a senior citizen at age 50. Here are some other examples of senior citizen age:
AARP
The AARP Foundation offers several programs for people age 50 and older. Available programs include:
- A legal advocacy group that writes briefs on behalf of the AARP on issues such as long term care, discrimination on the basis of age, and pensions.
- A community employment program to help jobseekers 55 years of age and older get training and find work.
- Assistance with preparing income tax returns for low and middle-income taxpayers age 60 and older.
- A benefits outreach program for people over the age of 55 to help them determine what forms of assistance they may be entitled to.
Social Security
The senior citizen age at which you can collect full Social Security benefits depends on the year you were born.
| Year of Birth | Full Retirement Benefits | |
| 1937 (or earlier) | 65 | |
| 1938 | 65 years and 2 months | |
| 1939 | 65 years and 4 months | |
| 1940 | 65 years and 6 months | |
| 1941 | 65 years and 8 months | |
| 1942 | 65 years and 10 months | |
| 1943-1954 | 66 | |
| 1955 | 66 years and 2 months | |
| 1956 | 66 years and 4 months | |
| 1957 | 66 years and 6 months | |
| 1958 | 66 years and 8 months | |
| 1959 | 66 years and 10 months | |
| 1960 and later | 67 |
A person who was born on January 1 would use the retirement age from the previous year to determine when they are eligible for full benefits.
Retirement
Age 65 is usually considered the normal retirement age for people. However, this number isn't set in stone. Some people may elect to or be forced to retire earlier due to job loss or disability. Others may have to work longer for better financial security.
An individual's job may determine whether or when he or she retires. People in dangerous lines of work generally retire earlier than those whose work is not as demanding. Lawyers, university professors, and scientists may work long after the standard retirement age.
People who are members of the armed forces can retire after 20 years of active service. Their retirement will be based on their total number of years of service, their level of pay at the time of retirement, and the retirement policy in place at the time they enlisted. This is not the same thing as receiving a pension, since the retired serviceman or woman can be recalled back to active duty at any time.
Discounts for Seniors
Some stores and restaurants offer discounts to seniors. Other types of businesses may also give a break on prices to older people, based on the senior citizen's age. If you are planning on traveling by plane, train, or bus, be sure to ask about discounts offered to seniors. Hotels and resorts may also have special pricing. When you go to entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, zoos, or amusement parks, you may also qualify for a discount.
Since the term "senior citizen age" is not written in stone, it pays to ask whether you qualify for special programs or pricing once you are 50 years of age or older.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,371 times. This page was last modified 05:11, 1 February 2009.
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