I Want My Senior Discount

     We get older, and the doctor, on a regular basis, wants some of our blood.  He always wants it first thing in the morning, when we haven't had juice, coffee, or even a bite of dry toast.  I went for my semiannual blood test this past Monday.  After waiting over an hour, I was so famished I made a beeline to the nearest McDonald's for an Egg White Delight (no cheese) and coffee.
     I asked the extremely young man serving me, "What is the age for getting senior coffee?"
     "Senior coffee.  You got it," was his response.
     That was easy.  I was a little concerned that I looked old enough to qualify without so much as a doubting glance from this fellow.  However, the thrill of scoring a freebie overcame the perceived insult.  My next thought was, "What else can I get?"
     There are so many senior discounts out there, some worth more than others.  The age to qualify ranges from 55 to 65.  Fast food places usually offer a free drink, and you can get that drink once you are 55.  Offers vary by location, so ask.  Dunkin' Donuts turns it around and gives a free doughnut with the purchase of a large coffee.  Chain restaurants also offer discounts.  Appleby's gives 10% off to those 60 and over, and IHOP gives discounts to customers 55 and over.  You don't have to eat out to get reduced food prices.  Some grocery stores offer senior discounts.  The qualifying age is usually higher than 55, and the percentage off is small, around 5%.  The A&P is one national chain that has offered a discount to oldsters.  Ask where you shop to see if you can shave a bit more off the weekly food bill.
     Retail stores often advertise discounts to seniors, but don't get too excited.  You get 15% off on Wednesday at Kohl's if you are 60, but Kohl's routinely sends out coupons worth 20% and 30% off.  It makes more sense to wait for a better deal in the weekly circulars.  Craft stores like Joann and Michael's also have senior day.  The days vary at Joann.  It's every Tuesday at Michael's, but you must present an AARP card.  Be sure to use a 40% coupon along with your discount to get an even better deal on one item.  Even the Goodwill store has a senior discount.
     Movie theaters give seniors a break on ticket prices.  AMC and Rave offer a reduced price ticket.  Regal reduces the price of popcorn and a drink.
     If you are planning a vacation, shave a little off the cost by taking advantage of senior deals. Cruises lines have senior pricing.  Amtrak gives 15% off to passengers age 62 and older within the United States.  Greyhound gives 10% off to passengers once they reach age 60.  It pays to join the AARP.  Your membership card will get you discounts on car rentals and lodging.  Even the federal government gives elder travelers a discount.  For a $10.00 one time fee, people age 62 and over can get the America the Beautiful Senior Pass.  For the rest of your life that pass gives you free admission to the 2,000 national parks.  http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior_pass_application.pdf
     Some seniors on a fixed income consider a cell phone an expensive luxury.  Verizon offers a cell phone senior plan.  It costs $29.99 per month for 200 anytime minutes.  It's not a phone that allows Granny to surf the net and text like a teenager, but it does provide good service for basic calling needs and emergencies.
     Any time you open your wallet once you've hit age 55, you should be asking if you can have a senior discount.  You'll be surprised how many merchants will reward you just for getting older.  If you are shy about asking, buy yourself a hat.