Seniors Discounts: One real joy of growing older

LAST WORD

ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

Before I turned 60, I didn’t pay attention to which stores offered seniors discounts because it didn’t impact me or my pocketbook. But now that I am eligible for some seniors discounts (yes, there are some stores that offer seniors discounts to customers as soon as they turn 55), I pay close attention because it means I can save money. And who doesn’t want to save money when they can? Especially after Christmas when you’re feeling broke. And especially this year.

When it comes to groceries, Mitchell Brothers offers a seniors’ discount of 10% every Wednesday. At Townsite Fruit & Veg every Tuesday is Seniors Day. If you are age 55 and better you can enjoy a 5% discount off your total order.

If you’re heading out of town, plan to walk on BC Ferries between Monday to Thursday for a free ride (walk-ons only) if you are 65 years of age or older and have a BC Card.

One of my favourite deals is A&W coffee for seniors. At 30 cents off a cup of regular coffee or tea, it’s a feel-good way to make sure you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed by the time you hit the office. A&W owners Nicki and Matt Lister say they don’t ask for proof of ID or question their guests about their age; they believe what people tell them. A refreshing find in this day and age.

McDonald’s also offers a seniors discount of 20% off any size coffee, making a medium coffee $1.55 with tax.

For those who like their weed, Bean Cannabis offers a 10% seniors discount on products they sell.

Duke’s Liquor Store offers seniors a 5% discount on Tuesdays.

The Powell River Recreation Complex offers a seniors discount for those who are 60 plus. Adults from 19 to 59 pay $6.60 per visit while 60 plus pay $5.50. And once you turn 85, it’s only $5 a visit!

Coast Fitness offers a seniors discount to those 60 plus of 15% off of a one month, two-month unlimited pass, or a 10 pack of classes. Seniors can use it any time (good year-round).

Putters Mini Golf offers a seniors rate for mini golf. If you are 65 plus, you pay the same price as a child to play a round.

Suncoast Integrated Health offers $10 off chiropractic, athletic therapy/rehabilitation and acupuncture services to seniors as well as sliding scale discounts on yoga therapy (such as chair yoga) and group exercise therapy (such as their spinal stenosis rehab group) for seniors.

The Patricia Theatre offers seniors between the ages of 65 and 79 a $4 discount so their cost for a movie is just $8. And Super Seniors (those who are 80 and up) are free.

RONA Powell River offers seniors discounts on some items for those who are 55+. These items are not marked – you have to ask at the cashiers.

Hair ‘ n’ Dipity in the Townsite Market offers $7 off a man’s haircut and wash, and $10 off a woman’s cut and wash for those age 65 and older.

The Shinglemill Pub and Bistro offers seniors age 60 and older 10% off on their bill every Tuesday. You must let your server know that you qualify for this discount though.

Shoppers Drug Mart offers seniors discounts to customers who are 65 years of age or older who have a PC Optimum card on any regular priced item every Thursday. Family members accompanying their senior are welcome to take advantage of this offer.

Rexall Pharmacy offers a 20% discount to seniors age 55 and older every Tuesday on all products excluding prescriptions.

Pet Valu offers seniors who are 60 years old and above a 10% discount off their total purchase on the last Thursday of every month when they join Pet Valu Your Rewards / VIP Plus.

Powell River Transit offers a discount for low income seniors – those who are 60 or older and receiving income assistance from the Province of BC, receiving the Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. There is an administrative fee of $45 for the bus pass valid from January 1 to December 31.

First Credit Union members age 60 and over can enjoy the benefits of a senior account which includes no monthly administration fee, free basic cheque order, 50 free transactions per month, free bill payments, free Credit Union ATM withdrawls across Canada and an option to upgrade to e-Plan or Prestige account with a $5 discount off the regular monthly administration fee.

Scotiabank offers discounted monthly fees on select chequing and savings accounts to clients who are 60 years and older including a basic bank account, which includes up to 12 debit transactions per month, for free.

Vancouver Island University offers domestic students 65 years or older free tuition for academic undergraduate courses, space permitting. This exemption applies to standard tuition fees, student services fees, and student activity fees only, for courses scheduled within the regular timetable (some fees still apply).

If I missed your business’ seniors discount, I apologize. I tried my best, but I am human and also a senior (my get out of jail free card).

||isabelle@prliving.ca