Secret specials for seniors in the community

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- They say “60 is the new 40,” which means that for today’s seniors, there’s a lot more adventure to be had in life – but only if they have the good health and the financial ability to make it happen. Janet Alonzo, Director of Business Development at Continuity Care Home Health Agency said that, all too often, older adults would love to be more active if only their health and savings would allow for it.

“Continuity Care provides services for temporarily homebound seniors who have been injured or who are recovering from illness,” she said. “Once our registered nurses and other aides have completed their assignments and our patients have fully recovered, they are often champing at the bit to get back on that road to adventure. So finding ways to save here and there can make a difference in just how big that adventure is going to be.”

Alonzo has compiled a list of special senior discounts and savings that don’t require membership in an age 50-and-over membership organization such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). These discounts and specials can really add up, explained Alonzo, and they go hand-in-hand with an active lifestyle, which in itself can lead to healthier living and longer life.

Supermarkets – Kroger offers a special seniors’ Signature Card that offers an additional 10 percent off store brand products on top of the everyday store card savings. Many supermarkets also offer “Senior Discount Days” that are not usually advertised; for instance, Albertson’s offers 10 percent off first Wednesday of each month for those seniors age 55 or older. Alonzo encourages shoppers to contact their local grocer’s customer service desk and inquire.

Restaurants – Some restaurants like Luby’s, Denny’s and IHOP are very overt with their senior menus. However, at restaurants ranging from Applebee’s to Arby’s, from Ben & Jerry’s to Boston Market, from Chik-Fil-A to Chili’s, from McDonald’s to Taco Bell, there are discounts available for the asking… but you do need to ask. Retailers – Style and age can still go hand in hand, says Alonzo. Even some “hip” clothing retailers such as Banana Republic give senior discounts. Big Lots offers additional specials for seniors, as does Kohl’s. For the extra-thrifty, even Goodwill and the Salvation Army offer additional senior savings on certain days.

Travel – While the AARP offers multiple travel specials for members, seniors can still receive discounts on their own without signing up. Amtrak, Greyhound, Southwest Airlines and U.S. Airways offer discounts for seniors; United Airlines also offers no initiation fee for United Presidents Club and special fares for select destinations. Among the numerous hotels that offer senior specials are Best Western, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Motel 6 and Super 8.

Activities – The cornerstone of a full, active senior lifestyle is leaving the house whenever possible. “Our nurses and home visitors have spent countless hours listening to our temporarily homebound patients talk about the places they’ve been, or the places they wish to go. We encourage them to follow their activity dreams.” The U.S. Government offers a senior lifetime pass for only $10 known as the “Golden Age Pass” that entitles seniors to enjoy many discounts at more than 2,000 federally managed recreation sites in every state in the nation. Seniors can mix recreation and physical therapy with significant membership discounts at gyms like Bally Total Fitness.

Services – AT&T and Verizon are two cellular phone companies that offer senior discounts. Many hair stylists such as Great Clips and Supercuts offer specials for customers aged 60 and up. Alonzo encourages seniors to contact their phone companies, TV service provides and municipal services to see what discounts – frequently not advertised to the general public – are offered to their elderly clientele. Some states even offer significant reductions in property taxes for seniors.

“Our biggest joy at Continuity Care Home Health Agency comes when our patients no longer need us to come to their homes,” said Alonzo. “After our services conclude, we make sure to contact our former clients to check up on their activities and progress, and we want these seniors to have every benefit possible that comes with age.”