Age and save with senior discounts

Believe it or not, there are some benefits to getting older - experience, retirement and, of course, the senior discount.Earlier in life you get discounts for being a kid or a student, but it's not until you reach the ripe old age of 50 that you get to save money again because of how many candles are on your birthday cake."I love a bargain, doesn't everybody?" said Joan Elmore, 72, of Grass Valley, who was planning on using her senior status for a discount at Ross last Tuesday. "It's worth it. I'm going to Gottschalks today, too."Ross, Gottschalks and several other restaurants, retailers and service providers in the area offer discounts.And you don't even have to consider yourself a "senior" to start saving.Some discounts start at age 50, including discounts for AARP members, who need only hit the half-century mark to join.The deals may just be a way to attract a specific segment of consumers."Certainly, businesses are always seeking markets of people who have disposable income," said Mark Beach, spokesman for AARP in California. "It's just been the last few years that the 50-plus market has been targeted. That's something AARP is constantly telling people - the Baby Boomers have a lot of money."Although advertisers once thought older Americans stayed loyal to their brands, Beach said they now realize this isn't the case and seniors will try new products, retailers and hospitality chains - especially if there's a discount.However, many businesses don't hype their discounts. If you aren't afraid to state your age and ask for a discount, you could be saving. "My dad's only 58 and he doesn't think of himself as a 'senior,' but he thinks (discounts) are the greatest thing," Beach said.From airline travel, hotel stays, entertainment and retail stores - it doesn't hurt to ask, he said."Every major hotel chain offers some kind of discount," Beach said.The Internet has become a resource for seniors looking to save.At www.seniordiscounts.com, a free weekly newsletter shares tips on discounts. Registration is required. Or for a $7.95 annual membership, you can search a database of available senior discounts nationwide.Or get outside and explore. For $10, seniors 62 and older can get a lifetime America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which provides free entrance and standard amenities fees at parks. Passes must be purchased in person at a park.Also be on the lookout for senior admission prices at movie theaters, museums and theater performances.Back at Auburn's Ross store Tuesday, many local elders took advantage of the store's 10 percent discount for those 55 and older."We call them our 'Every Tuesday Club,'" said Lisa Kindice, store manager at Ross. "(Senior discounts) are pretty common in retail stores. I think it's an added shopping benefit to seniors in our area. Ten percent saves you the sales tax."Leslie Bennett, 59, of Lincoln, said the senior discount is what lured her and her mother, 87-year-old Margrett Forbell, of Lake of the Pines, to Ross Tuesday."We decided to go today, rather than yesterday," Bennett said. "I definitely (appreciate stores with discounts). It's a great way to save money."The Journal's Michelle Miller can be reached at michellem@goldcountrymedia.com.Where to save- RetailRoss - 10 percent off on Tuesdays for those 55 and older. 2590 Bell Road, Auburn.Gottschalks - Every Tuesday, seniors 55 and older get 10 percent to 20 percent in additional discounts when they use their Gottschalks card. Two free gift wraps are also offered to seniors on Tuesday. 372 Elm Ave., Auburn. - EntertainmentAuburn Stadium 10 Seniors 60 and older get tickets for $6.50, anytime day or night.- FoodSunrise Natural Foods - Every Wednesday, seniors 55 and older get 15 percent off all non-sale items. 2160 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn.- Health careRobinson Chiropractic Clinic - Discounts to seniors who do not have chiropractic coverage. 4076 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn.- AARP members (50+)Airlines, Hotels, Cruises - Exclusive deals and offers on multiple carriers and chains.Internet Discounts on America Online, Earthlink.- TravelAmtrak travelers 62 years of age and over receive a 15 percent discount on the applicable adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains.