Senior Citizen Perks

You know that you have arrived when you become eligible for special senior citizen perks. You can qualify for some as early as age 50; others kick in when you reach 60, 62 or 65. Even if you are just old enough to join AARP, you can still enjoy many senior discounts and savings. Seniors can receive free or discounted education, food, recreation, transportation and more.

Go back to school and take college classes without paying tuition. Many states offer this perk to senior citizens who want to take anything from art to zoology. The qualifying age depends on your state of residence. People age 65 and older can take advantage of these classes at public universities in almost every state in the country.

In South Carolina and Arkansas, you can take free classes when you reach 60. In Texas, anyone 55 and older can attend college tuition-free. Contact your elected state representative or local university for current information.

Keep in mind that many of these classes do not apply to credit toward a college degree.

Over 50 percent of public transportation systems in the U.S. have senior citizen discounts. A few, like Philadelphia's SEPTA, even allow seniors to ride free. Senior citizen perks on other urban transportation systems range from discounted fares and senior passes to door-to-door service and special routes for shopping and recreation.

In 2009, Amtrak discounted fares by 15 percent for passengers age 62 and older. Greyhound's fare discounts are available at the same age. Those discounts are only 5 percent off. However, Greyhound service covers more locations than Amtrak.

Many car rental companies have special rates for seniors. The discounts vary by company and rental location. AAA or AARP memberships can lead to greater discounts or better senior citizen perks like free upgrades.

The majority of domestic airlines dropped senior airfare discounts in 2009. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air are two exceptions. Alaska Air offers senior travelers at least 10 percent off base fares to over 90 cities in the continental U. S., Mexico and Alaska. Southwest senior fare discounts vary by destination.

All major hotel chains have discounted room rates for senior travelers. The most common discounts start at 10 percent off the hotel's best available rate. Declining bookings during 2009 have made it possible for seniors to seize discounts up to as much as 50 percent off in certain locations. Smarter Travel has a section devoted to senior travel. Sign up for the newsletter to get updates on new senior citizen perks.

Food is a major budget item for everyone, including seniors. Get discounts at restaurants and grocery stores in your area. In many cases, grocery stores only require is a valid I.D. that verifies you qualify for senior discounts. They start at age 55 or older, depending on the grocery chain. Many grocery stores across the nation have special days for senior discounts.

Senior meal rates in restaurants sometimes require that you register for a membership or senior club. Even when there is no sign or note on the menu, it is a good idea to ask wait staff if the restaurant has senior perks or discounts.

Some fast food restaurants that have senior perks in 2009 include:

• Chik-Fil-A
• Dairy Queen
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Wendy's

A few of the choices that seniors have for discount dining at chain restaurants are:

• Ponderosa Steakhouse
• Baker's Square
• IHOP
• Boston Market

Seniors who visit museums, National Parks and tourist attractions in major cities will often be able to pay a reduced amount for admission. Check your local recreation department for discounted rates for swimming, exercise classes and green fees for golf. The Senior Journal tracks discounts for seniors in a variety of categories.

Always ask about senior days, senior rates or special passes. Theaters, sports teams, cruise lines, tourist attractions and even shopping malls cater to the needs of the growing senior population. You will enjoy senior life even more when you take advantage of wallet-friendly senior perks.

• Written by Carol Luther.

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