Why give people a discount for being old?

Question

Why should a person get a discount for the same thing others buy, simply because that person is over 50? Over 60?

Is this fair to the young couple in their 20's with 2 kids, scaping to get by?

There are a LOT of people over 65 who have PLENTY of money - statistically it's the richest generation. Is it fair for young people to pay mroe than the elderly for the same goods and services? Is this not age-based discrimination?

PS - I never said I was in my 20's with two kids - some of you read that into the question. I'm actually over 50.

Answer 1

And there are a lot more seniors who barely get by on fixed incomes...and why do you care? It is not money out of your pocket, is it? Many seniors have to make a decision as to medicines or food...get a life! IF you are like this at 50, what are you going to be like at 70? Hmmmmmmm

Answer 2

Well, you got your wish at least one place. a service station was selling gasoline cheaper to seniors--by 5 cents. The State stopped the owner from doing it.

On the other. Pensions have not kept up and Social security did give a raise here in the States, but then raised the cost of Medicare by even more. . . and the prescriptions are eating the money instead of allowing the some Seniors to Eat.

Gasoline has gone through the roof and so has food--but you can still write off only 10 cents a mile as a medical expense and a lot of Seniors are having to really scrimp to get the calories and meat has become the same kind of luxury it was during the depression.

At least 20 year olds have a chance at a job--try getting one when you're over sixty five.

Answer 3

Learn your math. Of course in your 20's you're just starting to accumulate money for retirement. Geez, some people wait until their 30's to start the accumulation. At 65 or there abouts, you stop working. It's the PEAK of your savings. But, now you need to live on that money and all you get is interest payments. The last year of most people's lives, unless they die suddenly, is the most expensive year. Health care costs skyrocket as ones health declines (i.e. that's a symptom of age).

You ought to value the elders in society and give whatever you can to them. You should run the country in a manner that will protect them and their grandchildren while honoring the heritage they built. You should open doors for them. You should give them respect and an ear so they can tell you how things used to be. You should learn from them so you don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

It is the least you can do, as a business owner, to offer the seniors a discount!

Answer 4

Some elders are on a limited income but not so many these days. I am against this practice. Some people of all ages are on limited income. The funniest one is the elderly who ask their trash hauler for a discount. Lets see - they are home longer hours now and have taken up all the fixer-up projects and begun gardening. All the things that generate more trash so now they cost the hauler more and they want a discount-hummmmm.

Answer 5

For every 10 very rich old people you see, there are 200 living in penury. This is one of those questions regularly asked by people half way through their lives. Those of us at the end of our lives, may not have saved enough for our old age because we didn't think we'd live this long. Some of us were widowed young, never married again and try shamefully existing on benefits. We live where you don't see us, we can't afford to drive, but we don't like being dependent. This why the occasional small discount is gratefully accepted.

If you don't die, you grow old and dependent. Just don't knock old people or resent them, poverty can happen to anybody.

Answer 6

I think it's for a couple of reason. One being because they don't eat as much. Just like children get discounts because they don't eat as much. Another is just out of respect. They have been here for a long freakin' time... they should have something to show for it! Also, a lot of seniors may have money... but ALOT of them have hardly ANY money. If I had worked my whole life and had no money and couldnt afford to go out every once in a while... I would be pissed.

Answer 7

Gives us a reason to live, lol. Also a lot of us have limited incomes, so every penny counts, and we need all the help we can get. Maybe you would like to adopt China's policy and offer us a choice between a bullet and a pill? It has been said that youth is wasted on the young. When you get my age, you will think about it differently.

Answer 8

man? how old r you?
I am 30. You must be younger then?
If so... here it is.
When i was a teenager, my parents made sure i helped those who need helping. Not to exclude the elderly over 65+
If that meant, cutting their grass (for free), water their plants,
what ever it was... that was the way it was. You do this because... if you are poor now. You are able now, but if you are poor now and if you are poor when you are 65. At least the next generation will follow your footsteps and help you!

I guess, i find this sad... that the younger generation is NOT getting the same message as "we" did as kids. That is sad... because... i still help "thy" neighbor. Washed her car this morning... clean the troughs for the other neighbor.
It took me a mere 1.5 hours of my day. I got cookies and milk out of the deal. But... i certainly didn't die from doing it.

SOme of those elders, (my time as a teen) fought in the second world war too! They fought for my freedom!
They fought for your freedom.

So in short, man!
Make it work! Scrape harder, make things work! Give more.. and more will come back!

good luck
spread the word!
We ALL are not getting younger

Answer 9

yes it is fair. Most elderly started working and paying into the social system at an early age. In comparison most young people now days live with mom and dad till they are close to 30. older people have secured a retirement, and some respect. What have young people done other than party, waist money, have abortions, and do drugs? our future is secured, what will yours be?

Answer 10

There may be as you say a "Lot" of people over 65 with PLENTY of money, but I will bet MY LIFE the majority of over 65 are middle to lower income and on monthly pensions barely enough to get by. Does that anwer your question?