Too Young to be Old

I'm Too Young To Be This Old!

Text and photo by Jo Clark

Sometimes I stare in the mirror and wonder: “Who is that and how did she get in my house?!” I suppose changes that mark the passing of time are good, but the silver in my hair isn’t paying the bills. Joining the “speed limit” crew should garner us something besides grey hairs—enter those magical words: “Senior Discount, please!” Uttering those words works more places than not and frequently works when you turn 62, or even 55. One can join the American Association of Retired Persons [AARP] at age 50. The only requirement to qualify for a senior discount is, well, to be a senior. Some businesses ask for proof of age, while others accept AARP or AMAC membership cards

See the USA The Lifetime America the Beautiful Pass is good for more than 2,000 national parks and federal recreational lands. Available at age 62, it is $80, and entry to just a couple of parks during a vacation trip can top that amount. Seniors on a budget can purchase an annual pass for $20. Save them, and you can trade in four for a lifetime pass—like visiting on the installment plan! We know that the most beautiful state in the country is Virginia, with natural beauty rivaling many national parks. Virginia offers an annual Naturally Yours Passport for only $40 to visitors age 65 and up. The pass includes admission at Natural Bridge and the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, among others.

Expand Your Mind Do you yearn to study history? Paint a portrait? Use a computer? The Virginia Community College system has your back. Seniors 60 and older can enroll in credit or non-credit courses for…free!! If a degree is your dream, it may still be free, but that tuition program is income-based.

Expand Your Wallet You know the saying: Only two things in life are certain - death and taxes. But seniors may qualify for “tax relief” on owner-occupied property. Call your county’s commissioner for more information. Requirements and yearly relief amounts vary, but here is an idea of potential savings:

$ Floyd County - up to $200 $ Giles County - up to $200 $ Montgomery County - 40-100% of tax debt $ Pulaski County 20-80% of tax debt

Expand Your Waistline Ask for a senior discount, and you will happily discover nearly all restaurants offer something. Eating establishments are the most common and most accessible of all discounts. Some start at age 55 or 60…so ask early and ask often, make it a habit. It might be free or inexpensive coffee or tea, or maybe 5, 10, or even 15% off the purchase. Some offer a special menu on specific days. And, your evening out doesn’t have to end with dessert. Most movie theaters offer senior tickets. Grocery stores have jumped on the discount list, too. Most set a specific day for deals, so you do have to look for them. Typical discounts range from 5%-15% off.

Speaking of Discounts Voice and data wireless plans offer 5-15% discounts, depending upon which provider you use. And while you’re on

the phone, call your homeowner and auto insurance agent. Many offer special pricing for seniors. Oh! And don’t forget to ask your bank for senior checking. Many offer fee-free accounts as well as free checks. Many banks start the savings with their 50+ checking accounts. The sad truth is medical costs only rise, and as we get more senior, most of us require more medicines. Nearly all pharmacies offer in-house discount cards. AMAC and AARP also include prescription discounts as part of their membership programs. These allow members and their families to enjoy average savings of 50% on generic, brand name, or specialty drugs that insurance or Medicare Part D fail to cover. Pharmacies providing discounts include Costco, CVS, Kmart, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart.

Save Coming and Going Many travel-related industries offer discounts. Airlines offer discounted travel, but you have to call and ask— you won’t find these on standard booking sites—and you do have to be 65. Most car rental agencies honor discounts at 50—old age gets younger by the minute! Various costsavings range from a flat $10 savings to 5-25% on vehicle rentals. Hotel discounts range from 10% to 50%, with more significant savings at the more expensive hotels. You should request a discount when booking. Are cruises more your style? You’re in luck! Cruise companies love discounting fares, especially for those 55 and older. I think you can even get a discount for being lefthanded! *smile* Seriously, call and ask! Prefer slow and steady? Amtrak marks down their lowest fare by an additional 15% for travelers 62 or older.

Play Local Don’t miss your grandchildren’s sporting activities. Check with your local high school. They may provide grandparents with a gold card to attend school sporting events either at a significant discount or entirely free. Carry your photo ID and join a senior group—AMAC or AARP. Not old enough yet? Join AAA! In many cases their discounts are nearly as good…and…your travel maps are free!

Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer on a budget. She says her favorite words are “wine” and “on sale” and takes senior discounts to an art form. Her sincerest compliment came years ago from an uncle who asked, “Where does Jo get all her money?”

Not My Age - Poet Unknown

That’s not my age; it’s just not true. My heart is young; the time just flew. I’m staring at this strange old face, And someone else is in my place!