We all dread the thought of getting older but once you become a senior, life isn't so bad. All sorts of deals and offers come your way — from groceries to wine to hotel rooms.
A lot of older Australians don't realise the benefits that are out there despite the constant clambering of companies to get the attention of the ageing market.
The biggest discounts start at home.
Most councils will discount your rates and the government offers a rebate on your utility rates. You can also ask for a bonus reduction if you have a Seniors Card. Insurance companies GIO and Suncorp offer 10 percent discounts for over 55s as well as a further six percent for Seniors Card holders.
There is even a telecommunications service set up for the over 55s, called One Seniors, which is giving away a $25,000 cash prize to one of its lucky customers.
And there's plenty more on offer too. Check out this list of discounts from a whole range of places:
For over 60s:
— Spec Savers will give you 25 percent off
— Red Rooster offers 10 percent off
— Best Western Hotels offer a 10 percent discount
— Ultratune will give you 10 percent off all car servicing
For those with a National Seniors card:
— 5 percent discount on gift cards, which can be redeemed at all the major supermarkets
— 12 Lindeman wines, valued at $219, for $89
For those with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
— Discounts on medicine, transport and council rates
— Five percent off all Bob Jane T-Mart services
— Coffee Club offer a 10 percent discount
— Brumby's Bakery will give you 10 percent off all bread
— OPSM will give you ten percent off your glasses or contacts
If you have a Seniors Card, which is free for people over 60 who work less than 35 hours a week (or less than 20 hours in NSW), you can get up to 50 percent off medication, public transport and movie tickets.
The most important thing is to ask if places offer a discount. If you don't, you might never know!
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is available to older Australians who are of pension age and not receiving payment from Human Services or from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Find out more on their
website.
National Seniors is for anyone over 50 in Australia. For more information and to see what discounts are on offer, visit their website.
