Top 10 Seniors' discounts

A wide variety of stores, clubs, restaurants and other service providers offer discounts to seniors. How a company defines "senior" can vary, so ask about age requirements. Some companies offer national programs that are the same in each city, but in other cases there is local variation — so make inquiries where you live. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

1. For footloose seniors with places to go:

    * VIA Rail Canada offers seniors a 10 per cent discount on ticket prices;

    * and Greyhound Canada offers seniors aged 62 and over 10 per cent off the price of unrestricted tickets.

2. Shoppers Drug Mart stores offer several kinds of discounts for seniors, including "Seniors' Days" during which you can save 20 per cent if you present your Optimum card. You can also get a Seniors' Day Gift Voucher for $10 if you spend $50.

3. The Bay and Zellers offer 10 to 15 per cent off on designated days of each month — phone ahead to find out which ones.

4. Cineplex Odeon and Famous Players theatres usually have reduced admission prices for seniors. Independent theatres may offer similar deals.

5. Golf courses often offer discounts on membership fees and greens fees for seniors, so ask at your local clubs.

6. Many fast food restaurants will provide various kinds of discounts for seniors if you ask — try Tim Hortons and McDonald's.

7. Many handymen and renovation companies offer seniors' discounts.

8. Sears Canada offers the Mature Outlook program for people aged 50 and over. The program lets you buy a booklet of coupons for $19.99 annually in exchange for some $1,300 in savings throughout the year.

9. Fitness centres, including many YMCA facilities, often offer discounts for seniors — hop around to get the best deal.

10. Parks Canada Agency is responsible for national parks, national historic sites and canals. Those over 65 years of age receive 25% off the entry fees.

Check out www.senioryears.com/canadiandeals.html for other cost-savings tips.

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