By Barb Lally
It is an amazing transition, this turning 65. You get more marketing mail than you can imagine. In fact, because of our sheer numbers we—and by we, I mean the baby boomers, 15,000 of whom turn 65 everyday—have been a marketable boon for businesses since the day we were born.
Those over 65 are about 15 percent of the population in Thurston County out looking to save money as we transition in income and lifestyle. But, aside from the 75 percent health care savings with Medicare and my free gym membership with the Silver Sneakers program that comes with my supplemental plan, I haven’t yet taken advantage of the many senior discounts – until now.
#AskForYourDiscount should be boomers’ new hashtag. There are varying age requirements for senior discounts ranging from 50 to 65 and wiser. The younger crowd, those whose invitation to join AARP comes as a rude awakening, might not want to admit their age. But, for what could be thousands of dollars in potential yearly savings, it makes sense to ask for it.
There are comprehensive lists of national grocery and retail stores, fast food restaurants, airlines, and hotel discounts at websites like The Senior List, Best of Senior Discounts.
Locally, we have the Senior Action Network of businesses, Senior Services for the South Sound as well as community Senior Centers that provide fantastic resources, activities and services for local Seniors.
However, I wanted to find a sampling of local Thurston County businesses that offer discounts to help seniors live within their fixed income. The following is not “be-all-end-all-list.” It is people I know or places I frequent, and it is meant only to serve as a reminder to #AskForYourDiscount.
Here are the senior discounts I currently know:
Transportation
Intercity Transit gives seniors 65 years and older reduced fares on most Puget Sound area transit systems with a regional Reduced Fare permit. For an application, call Customer Service, 360-786-1881. Once a permit is purchased for $3, a day pass can be bought to ride the bus anywhere that day for that $1.
Capital Aeroporter provides charters and shuttles to the airport and gives those 62 years old at the time of travel a senior discount fare.
Fun & Entertainment
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts gives seniors 65 and older a discount of approximately 10 percent per ticket for many Washington Center-presented events.
Harlequin Productions offers patrons 60 and older the chance to see one of their outstanding performances at a 10% discount. This discount can be combined with other group discounts, rush tickets, and their military discount to offer even greater savings.
Washington State Parks offers a Limited Income Senior Discount.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was my first experience with discounts. During my visit, I planned to purchase my annual pass. I was told at the ripe young age of 62 that I could have a $20 lifetime pass for all national parks!
Regal Martin Village Stadium 16 tickets are $7.19 for seniors, all day, every day. Their “$5 Tuesday” applies to everyone and beats that senior discount. Different discounts apply to their IMAX movies.
Century Theatre Olympia at Capital Mall offers senior movie tickets at $7.40, but on their “Senior Monday” they are $6.40. The theater has a “Discount Tuesday” where a ticket is $5.50 for everyone.
Pets
Bark Avenue at Lacey Crossroads doesn’t have a senior discount on pet supplies but they will deliver them for free within a 4 mile radius, a convenience for seniors living nearby.
Home & Car Services
Seniors are welcome to use a 10% discount on parts everyday at Tumwater Automotive. Then, buzz over to Tumwater Auto Spa and enjoy a $2 discount on Thursdays.
Boggs Inspection Services gives seniors a $25 discount on a comprehensive home inspections. Read more about this locally owned company here.
Clutterbusters Washington, an organizing and clutter-clearing service has a standard rate of $45 per hour per organizer. For seniors, it is reduced to $40 an hour.
Pillar to Post Greater Olympia Home Inspections offers $25 off for an inspection service for seniors and Cameo Home Inspection Services offers a 10% senior discount.
PCI Pest Control helps seniors rid their homes of nasty pests at a 5% discount.
Cyndi Nelson, is a Realtor® who is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with years of experience helping seniors with their real estate needs. She goes above and beyond for her clients, even helping with garage sales before they move.
Springer Plumbing is a family-owned business that has been serving South Sound for more than 25 years and gives 10% off for those 60 years and older.
Courtesy Auto Service and Tire, Inc. in Lacey has a 10% discount on labor for those 60 and over.
Groceries, Food & Restaurants:
Olympia Food Co-op generously offers free membership to seniors for those 62 or over with a 10% discount on all purchases.
Helsing Junction Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture farm, offers members 70 and older free home delivery of nutrient-rich produce to their residence in Olympia or Panorama in Lacey.
Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor in Olympia on Martin Way has had a 10% discount for those over 55 any day of the week, for as long as they can remember. They even have a sign at their register to remind people of the discount.
The Oyster House in downtown Olympia on Fourth Avenue offers a 10% discount from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday for those 60+.
Budd Bay Cafe’s amazing Sunday brunch is $26, but there is a $4 discount for adults 65 and over.
El Sarape Family Mexican Restaurants takes $2 off for seniors on their small combo platters every day of the week.
Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes near the Olympia Farmers Market or at the Capital Mall has a senior discount on Tuesdays. The owner of the store was featured on Cupcake Wars on TV and boasts Olympia’s best cupcakes.
Know any?
There are many more discounts locally and I encourage you to #AskForYourDiscount. If you want to add to the list, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com and let us all in on the savings.
