Senior Discounts You Won't Want to Miss

Growing older may not be for the weak, but it's certainly for the thrifty. Businesses know the value of having senior citizens as their happy customers, so many offer substantial incentives in the form of coupons, offers, and other discounts to attract seniors into becoming part of their client base.

Save at the Supermarket

Everyone has to eat, but eating well doesn't have to break your budget. Many large chain grocery stores offer substantial discounts to older people to get them to shop exclusively at their stores. Many of these deals are only offered on certain days, so it pays to be savvy about when to shop. For instance, every Wednesday, many Publix grocery store locations offer a 5% senior discount while Compare Foods Supermarket offers a 10% discount. Similarly, Albertsons and Fry's Food stores offer a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of the month.

These discounts are not always advertised or heavily promoted, so be sure to inquire at your local supermarket about any senior discounts they may offer.

Save on Entertainment

Another perk about getting older is that you can receive senior discounts for a night on the town. Whether you are going to a museum, amusement park, or catching a movie, many venues offer reduced entrance fees and tickets for seniors. Check your local listings for dates, times, and prices of offers! 

Save at Restaurants

Restaurants are among the most aggressive businesses when it comes to attracting seniors to be their customers. If you're craving a quick treat, several fast food establishments including Burger King, Arby's, Dairy Queen, Jack in the Box, and Sonic offer senior discounts of 10% on some or all of their menu items.

If fast food isn't ideal, several sit-down restaurants have special offers as well. Shoney's, Perkins, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Chili's and lots of other restaurants offer senior promotions, either in the form of a set discount, or other perks such as complimentary beverages or deals on certain meals. Sometimes, there is an additional promotion for large parties of seniors, like a tour group or club. Inquire at your favorite spots to find out how you can save during your next meal out.

Save on Medicine

Image via Flickr by Mike Mozart

As we grow older, medicine becomes another staple of life. Although these expenses can seem overwhelming, there are lots of ways for seniors to save on prescriptions. Woohoo!

Enroll in the CVS ExtraCare Savings and Rewards Program to receive coupons tailored to your shopping habits. These offers are available on receipts printed out at the register, as well as online by accessing the ExtraCare Coupon Center. Sign up to receive ExtraBucks Rewards that allow you to earn up to 2% back on any purchase. In addition, you can receive $5.00 in ExtraBucks Rewards each time you fill 10 prescriptions. With Target Pharmacies currently being rebranded as CVS Pharmacies, these incentives are offered at an increasing number of locations.

Another large chain store that offers senior discounts on medications is Costco. The Costco Member Prescription Program assists those who have no prescription drug insurance or whose insurance may not cover the total cost of their prescriptions. The savings vary from 2% to 40% off, and the program is also open to other family members.

Rite Aid also offers discounts of 15 percent or more on brand-name and generic drugs for seniors who sign up for their Rite Aid Rx Savings Program, which provides you with a card to present at the time of purchase in order to receive special discounts.

There are also associations that negotiate discounts on medications with third parties on behalf of their members. Notable among these is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The AARP Prescription Discount Card allow seniors and their families to enjoy significant savings on prescription drugs at thousands of pharmacies. Narcup.com also offers a discount prescription card that is available to credit union members and their families, who do not already have prescription drug coverage. This program can save you up to 50% on FDA-approved drugs and is accepted at thousands of locations, including independent pharmacies and larger chains.

Other pharmacies, such as Walgreens, have programs that require senior citizens to pay an enrollment fee in exchange for receiving discounts on drug purchases. It's always recommended that you do the math to ensure the savings will eclipse the cost of joining.

Although we covered a few discounts available at grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies, be sure to continue exploring senior promotions in your day-to-day life. You'll be surprised by where and when you can save!