What Happens When You Become a Senior

Written by Sam Tetrault

The term “senior citizen” might evoke images of nursing homes, walkers, and people of a “certain age.” In reality, reaching your later stage in life is often exciting. They call it your golden years for a reason! Now is the time to really explore your passions, relationships, and interests. The world really is yours to discover. Most seniors no longer have to worry about their day job or other responsibilities, so it’s a liberating time of growth.

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However, with this growth comes a lot of change. What exactly happens when you enter this new part of your life? What does it mean to be a “senior citizen,” and what age does it start? We’ll answer these questions and more in this guide, so you know just what to expect. » MORE: 10 Best Online Memorial Sites: Cost, Features + Reviews

What Age is Considered a Senior Citizen?

A senior citizen is just another word for an elderly person. Traditionally, this begins at age 65 since most people retire by then. However, with the average lifespan pushing back even further, the lines are beginning to blur when it comes to defining the age of a senior citizen.

According to the government, the official age for seniors is 62. This is because 62 is the age that people begin accessing their Social Security benefits. A senior citizen is simply anyone who’s slowing down in their life. They might be approaching retirement, or they’re already retired. They might need additional medical help, or they might live with a family member.

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all when defining senior citizens. Many consider themselves a senior once they’ve retired, but don’t let this number hold you down. Age really is just a number.

What Discounts Do You Get When You Become a Senior?

One of the best parts about aging is the senior discounts. You’ve been paying into this economy for years now, so it’s about time things start getting cheaper. Let’s take a closer look at why types of discounts seniors can look forward to.

What types of discounts are for seniors?

Senior citizens get a lot of different discounts, and they might surprise you. Just about every big-name organization offers a senior discount in some form or another. Seniors get discounts on:

Restaurants
Retail
Medical care
Travel
Hotels
Entertainment
Services
Banking and investment

Local organizations often also offer senior deals, whether it’s a special senior shopping day or a year-round offer. Seniors typically get around 10-15 percent off services, travel, and meals. While restrictions do apply, who doesn’t love a good deal?

Why do seniors get discounts?

There are a few reasons seniors get so many discounts. Seniors are typically on a fixed income in their retirement. They’re no longer working, so they have limited assets that need to last the rest of their life in most cases. Because of this, companies offer deals to help seniors afford the essentials and the extras.

In addition, many seniors have more free time than ever before. Most choose to travel, explore hobbies, or try new things. This makes them a great target for marketing travel, entertainment, and service deals. Offering a low-cost rate makes these companies attractive for seniors and their families.

Senior discount programs

Another thing worth mentioning is senior discount programs. Membership programs like AARP and AAA offer tools and resources specifically for seniors. These membership programs take the initiative to negotiate lower costs with different businesses for their members. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see AARP offered as a discount as so many big-name services and retailers.

While there might be a fee to join one of these retired membership programs, they’re usually worth it when it comes to savings and deals. Another great resource for finding the…

This article was sourced from JoinCake.com.

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