Ten Good Reasons to Admit Your Age

When you were younger and got caught doing silly things like jumping off your grandpa's chicken coop, did anyone ever tell you to act your age? Or, for that matter, when you turned fifty, and still doing silly things like hanging upside down on the playground trapeze with your grandchildren, did someone tell you to act your age? Both times, I was told that. I took no offense on either occasion. I enjoy life too much for that. However, listed below are ten reasons why we can admit that we are at least fifty or maybe even fifty-five.

* Take advantage of AARP and the discounts they offer. For just $12.50 a year, we can enjoy all kinds of discounts from food to lodging to eyewear, and almost everything in between. All this starts at the age of fifty.

* Whenever we make any type of traveling arrangements or are simply order a meal from the menu, we should ask about senior discounts. Many business places do not advertise, but are more than willing to give us one.

* Go the library or purchase one or all three of the following books. 'Unbelievable Good Deals and Great Adventures You Can't Get Unless You're Over 50' by Joan Hellman, 'Free Stuff & Good Deals For Folks Over 50' by Linda Bowman, and 'Fantastic Discounts & Deals For Anyone Over 50' by Janet Groene.

* Check to see if certain stores will have a senior discount day once a week, or once a month. Some drug stores will offer discounts if we pay in cash.

* By joining a group such as AARP, or other groups, we can sometimes get hotel or motel accommodations at a cheaper rate.

* We may even receive some discounts for education or educational traveling. Eldershostel.org offers us over 8,000 discounts on travel while learning programs in more than ninety countries.

* Many eating establishments will offer a senior's menu, or early bird special. We may save quite a bit just by choosing to eat our evening meal a little earlier.

* Going on a cruise? Check with your travel agent. Carnival and Celebrity cruise lines will often offer discounts to seniors over fifty-five. Ask if your AARP membership will lessen the cost.