Besides a year older? If you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in a job where Medicare taxes were withheld (including self-employment where you paid your own self-employment taxes), you’ll become automatically eligible for Medicare once you turn 65.
Age 66 and 8 months is now considered Social Security’s “full retirement age,” meaning the age when you can claim your full retirement benefits without penalty. Some start to claim reduced benefits at age 62, while others wait until after full retirement age (up to age 70) to claim higher benefits.
A legal will ensures your final wishes are met and protects your assets. A power of attorney is helpful for finances, and a living will — also called an advance medical directive — will legally enforce your healthcare choices.
If you’re over the age of 50, you can contribute an extra annual $1,000 to IRAs and an extra $6,000 to 401(k)s, according to Kiplinger. If you’re still working, this is a good thing to do for an extra cushion when you do retire.
Regardless of age, most people don’t get complete physical examinations as often as they should. Visit your doctor and make sure you’re caught up on routine screenings and exams so you can enjoy life for years to come.
Retailers, restaurants, and travel services will do whatever they can to get people to buy what they are selling, and that includes extending senior discounts to customers who are 55 years of age or older. Sometimes, you may need to announce that you are 55 or older to get the best senior discounts. But it can save you money on big purchases or help pay for tips or taxes on the smaller ones. Don’t be shy.
Sign up for AARP (@ AARP.org) is an interest group in the United States focusing on issues affecting those over fifty. AARP sells paid memberships, and markets insurance and other services to its members.
- Groceries
- Albertsons 10%; first Wednesday of the month 55 and older
- Fred Meyer 5%; first Tuesday of the month 55 and older
- Landry’s Kitchen 10% off order AARP members
- Harris Teeter 5%; every Thursday 60 and older
- Naked Wines 10%; every Wednesday 65 and older
- New Seasons 10%; every Wednesday 65 and older
- Publix 5%; Wednesdays (select locations) 65 and older
- Retail
- 1-800-Baskets 20% AARP members
- Bealls 10% 50 and older
- Belk 15%; first Tuesday of month 55 and older
- Goodwill 15%-25% 55 and older
- JOANN 20% on Senior Days 55 and older
- Kohl’s 5%; every Wednesday 60 and older
- Hallmark 10% 60 and older
- Michael’s 10% off for members 55 and older
- Pep Boys 10% 55 and older
- Red, White & Blue 50%; every Wednesday 55 and older
- Ross Dress for Less 10%; every Tuesday 55 and older
- Savers 30%-40%; every Tuesday 55 and older
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change 15% off oil change AARP members
- Restaurants
- Arby’s 10% 65 and older
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 10% AARP members
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill 10% AARP members
- Chart House 10% AARP members
- Corner Bakery 10% AARP members
- Dennys Save 15% off your check; dine from 55+ menu Present AARP card member to save 15%; 55+ years for the senior menu
- El Pollo Loco 10% (up to $1) 60 and older
- IHOP 55+ menu 55 and older
- McDonald’s Discounted or free coffee at participating locations 55+ years
- Outback Steakhouse 10% AARP members
- Health Care
- CVS Pharmacy Discount varies by RX AARP members with RX card
- Kroger Pharmacy Discount varies by RX AARP members with RX card
- Lenscrafters 10-50% off select items AARP member
- Rite Aid Free RX consultations Wellness65+ members 65+
- Walgreens 20%; first Tuesday of month 55 and older or AARP member
- Walmart Pharmacy Discount varies by RX AARP members with RX card
- Travel
- National Park Service $80 Lifetime Senior Pass 62 and older
- Advantage car rental 10% 55 and older
- Alamo car rental 15%+ 50 and older
- Amtrak 10% 65 and older
- Aqua Aston up to 15% 50 and older
- Avis car rental 30% AARP members
- Best Western 5-15% off the best rate for 55 and older
- British Airlines $65-$200 off flights AARP members
- Budget car rental 35% off PAY NOW rates AARP members
- Carnival Cruise Line Ask about exclusive deals for 55 and older
- Choice Hotels Up to 10% off best rate AARP members
- Hertz car rental 20% off base rates for 50 and older
- InterContinental Hotels Group 4-6% 62 and older
- Marriott 5-20% 62 and older
- Motel 6 8% off 60 and older
- Omni 5-10% 60 and older
- Payless car rental 5% AARP members
- Red Roof Inn 10% AARP members
- Royal Caribbean Up to 15% 55 and older
- Sixt car rental 10% 50 and older
- Thrifty car rental 10% off time and mileage 50 and older
- Wyndham Hotels 10% 60+ or AARP member
- Zipcar $40 membership + $40 credit AARP members
- Movies
- AMC Theaters 10-15% off 60 and older
- Cinemark Theaters $1-$3.50 off tickets 62 and older
- Friday Marcus Theatres and Movie Tavern $7 tickets before 5:30 p.m. 60 and older
- Regal Cinemas 50 cents-$4 off tickets 60 and older
- Technology
- Ticketmaster 50% off deals and more AARP members
- Consumer Cellular 10% AARP members
- Mint Mobile 40% 55 and older
- Norton 360 16%-25% off plans AARP members
- T-Mobile $27-$45 a line 55 and older
- UPS Online Printing 20% off online printing AARP members
- Verizon Up to $40/mo 55 and older
- Cruises
- AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia Up to $100 in extra onboard cruise credits on more than 15 cruise lines. AARP member
- Carnival Cruises Exclusive savings for seniors 55+ years
- Collette Cruise Tours Combine two cruise tours and save up to $300 per person on your second tour and subsequent tours. AARP member
- Grand European Travel Offers a variety of discounts throughout the year. You can currently save up to 15% on worldwide tours. AARP member
- Royal Caribbean Exclusive senior pricing on selected sailings 55+ years
- Vacations By Rail Save up to $500 on more than 40 rail and cruise vacations AARP member
- Travel
- Amtrak Save 10% on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains 65+ years
- British Airways Save $65 off World Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) or $200 off Club World (business class) fares when you purchase round-trip transatlantic tickets online to over 130 destinations AARP member
- Delta Airlines Senior discounts are available for limited itineraries Call Delta’s customer care at (800) 221-1212 to find out if your flight is eligible for the discounted fare
- Greyhound Senior discounts are available for specific destinations and dates 62+ years
- United Airlines Save on senior fares to select travel destinations 65+ years
Further Reading
Sources
- “12 Things You Must Do as Soon as You Turn 65” (2023) https://seniorhealthcareteam.com/articles/12-things-you-must-do-as-you-turn-65/
- “75 of the Best Senior Discounts for Food, Entertainment, Travel and More” (UPDATED APRIL 26, 2023) https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/best-senior-discounts/
- “Senior Discounts and Savings – Your Guide to Finding the Best Deals and Senior Discounts” (Updated May 24, 2023) https://www.seniorliving.org/finance/senior-discounts/
- “AARP members get access to carefully chosen discounts, programs, and services designed to offer real value in every area of their life.” (2023) https://www.aarp.org/membership/
- “AARP” (May 27, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AARP
