I remember the first time a “senior” discount was bestowed upon me without my asking. I don’t know if I was more upset that I finally qualified for the discount, or that I LOOKED like I qualified for the discount.
Senior discounts date back to the Great Depression of 1929, which hit retirees the hardest. At that time, the average age of retirement was 65 and the stock market crash eliminated much of these retirees’ savings. Companies tried to ease the burden with discounts.
Senior Discounts Now Start as Early as Age 55
These days, senior discounts can start as early as age 55, but most kick in at the 60 plus mark. I was reminded of this as I was recently buying tickets for a trade show I wanted to attend. There were four categories of pricing: standard, senior, child, group. I automatically ticked off standard, but then I read that senior was available to anyone 60 and older with proper identification. Alas, my driver’s license doesn’t lie and I qualify.
The difference in price between standard and senior was $3.00 and I thought twice about ticking the senior box, but then I thought why not? I deserve to be rewarded for my many years of paying full price, and the hard truth is that people of my age do face higher costs for healthcare and insurance, while being discriminated against in the work force. I also thought it would be fun to be “carded” once again for something other than under-age consumption of alcohol.
But I’m Not That Feeble
The thing is, I just always thought that by the time I would utilize this benefit, I would be feebler. I am still quite active and work part-time at a family business, so I don’t feel much like a senior, and I certainly don’t look like one (so, others have told me).
And, that’s just it. Senior citizens today look and act much differently from seniors past. Many of us are still working full-time, running marathons, raising children, and trying to make a difference in our communities.
A Reward for a Life Well Led, Not a Sympathy Card
So, I started to view the “senior” discount differently. To be clear, the discounts I am referring to are from corporate sponsors, not government issued benefits that are necessary for some families. I now look at the “senior” discount as more of a reward for a life well led, versus a sympathy card for aging. Companies are providing us with these perks so that we remain active and outgoing, and, of course, to continue to use their products. I’m fine with that.
I know many women (and men) who lie about their age. Some people are competing for a job or promotion, others are looking for a younger mate, and some just want to be viewed as hip and current. (By my using the word “hip,” you can gather that I am not.) It is difficult to realize we are not invincible.
And, indeed, there is a part of me that views accepting the “senior” discount as admitting my vulnerability when, in fact, it should be seen as a rite of passage. It’s just hard sometimes to admit that we are maturing, and at a faster rate than some of us may like. But getting older is a privilege and if we can get some perks for all our wisdom, even better. So, I am not only qualifying for “the” discount now, I am embracing it and can’t wait to see where my discounts take me.
Let’s Discuss:
Have you embraced receiving senior discounts? Share with us some of your favorite discounts. Have you ever lied about your age to make it seem that you are younger?
