Many people may not look forward to the day they turn 50, but cracking the half century mark can have its perks. Many retailers and businesses offer discounts to men and women over 50, and the following are just a few ways that people who have turned the big 5-0 might be able to save some money.
Movie tickets: The cost of going to the movies has skyrocketed in recent years, as today’s theaters now offer an array of amenities and, thanks to bigger screens and better technology, a better viewing experience than the theaters the over-50 crowd grew up visiting. While film lovers may need to wait until they turn 60 to cash in on discount movie tickets, many chain movie theaters offer discounted tickets to older patrons.
Travel: Men and women over 50 may be able to save substantial amounts of money on travel simply by typing in their birthdays when purchasing tickets or planning trips. For example, men and women over the age of 62 are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.
Ancestry: As men and women age, many begin to develop a greater interest in their heritage. Those who join AARP (membership is available to men and women who are 50 or older) can receive a 30 percent discount on an Ancestry World Explorer membership in the first year they’re members.
Auto rentals: AARP members also are eligible to save up to 30 percent on base rates for vehicle rentals at Avis. The discounts are applicable at participating locations in both the United States and Canada.
Hotels: Men and women over 50 may have extra time on their hands once their kids go off to college and then begin careers and families of their own. Many such adults use that extra free time to travel, which requires staying in hotels. Many hotels offer discounted rates to travelers over the age of 50, and such discounts may make it more affordable to book directly through hotel websites instead of using popular travel sites where rates tend to fluctuate by the minute.
Dining: Of course, many restaurants offer early bird specials for patrons who want to eat a little bit earlier than guests typically arrive for dinner. However, many chain restaurants also offer discounts to senior diners regardless of when they arrive. Such discounts are sometimes even applicable to both food and beverages.
Mobile phone services: Men and women over 50 may not have grown up with smartphones in their hands, but chances are they now cannot imagine life without them. Some mobile providers offer discounts to AARP members, while others may offer senior discounts to customers whether they’re AARP members or not.
