Are Senior Citizen discounts discrimination?

Question

Are Senior Citizen Discounts discrimination and are they enforcable?

I feel that if there was a Baptist discount or a Asian discount or a Gay discount, there would be lawsuits everywhere. How is this different? Isn't it discrimination based on age?

I live in an area near Boston where most of the elderly are VERY well off and everyone else is struggling because the elderly bought their homes and land when it wasn't outlandishly expensive and now no one can afford to buy unless they are earning well into the six-figures.

I'm not, and feel that I need the extra 15% off at a nearby chain department store much more than they do.

Also, is this enforcable language: "discount is valid for senior citizens aged 62 or better." I am 31 and believe that is much "better" than 62.... :)

Thank you.

Oh, dear. I didn't mean to come off as a scrooge or something. It's just a personal curiosity - I am broke and they aren't, I just wondered what would happen if I went into Kohl's and said, I'm better than 62! I'm not about to raise a lawsuit, but at the same time, if I could get that discount, I could get some running shoes that have cushioning instead of continuing to wear my 8-year-old pair with the cash I have saved up. Otherwise I'll have to wait another month at least, and that's if my geriatric car keeps running.

Yay for James! Thank you for answering without reading into my question and judging me!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes, senior discounts ARE discrimination. However, they're discrimination IN FAVOR of a protected class and are therefore legal. I live in New Hampshire, and in many communities young people in our age range are struggling, and I agree that we could use the discounts, too. Many of the elderly people's "fixed" incomes in my area are WAY MORE than my measly earned income! But, there are many elderly people who are struggling, too, and need the discounts to survive...

Hey, Woodgardenstock (below), get your head out of your @ss. It's impossible to collect Social Security if you haven't paid into the system. All you people jumping down her throat for asking a simple question are just jerks. The fact of the matter is, there are all kinds of legal discrimination in the world, and discounts offered to a particular group(s) are one of them. She's not putting down seniors because they get discounts!

Answer 2

Senior discounts is not a law, It is a courtesy. True some seniors are wealthy and don't need it but for the ones that do I think it is great. I have worked with seniors before and if not for some of the discounts many of them would not be able to eat out. They don't get much on SS and I think it is a great courtesy. And no I don't believe it is discrimination. You will be old someday so don't try to take something away that you may end up needing.

Answer 3

Maybe in Boston the elderly are well off, but this is a big country and all are not as fortunate. I'm pretty sure you'll think it's discrimination, till you get there, then it'll be ok, right. Ms. "Rebel without a clue", if your in search of a cause, why don't you go after politicians who don't pay Social Security, but collect it and lets not even talk about astranomical pay they continue to get after they retire. How about paid lobbiest that go to Washington and represent large corp. in an effort to squash any bill that serves the worker and not themselves. The elderly have paid taxes and S.S. all their live so that you(if you chose to) could sit on your butt and collect welfare. I wish I could be around when you turn 70. Please allow me to apologize about my bad spelling, as I am getting older.

Answer 4

Most senior citizens are on a fixed income...give them a break...one day you may make it to the senior citizen discount age yourself...and you'll b*tch if its gone. Don't forget...discounts are also available for employees, members of clubs/labor unions, credit unions, etc., students, members of the military, and others.

Answer 5

Any time you arbitrary treat any identifiable 'group' of people differently from others it is discrimination.

Affirmative action is discrimination. 'Hate crime' laws are discrimination.

Remember that discrimination is only wrong when it is directed at a group that is not politically powerful or popular.

Answer 6

Its not discrimination its a promotion.
I recall a promotion at a car dealership last month where they gave everyone a $1000.00 discount to anyone wearing a hat with any GM logo on it.

They call it "Customer Appreciation".

Answer 7

I feel sorry for someone who has paid there dues is pounced upon by someone who hasn't and is crying because those on fixed incomes generally get a small break!

Most people ARE NOT well off and can't even keep up with the rising costs of everything!

Didn't anyone ever teach you about respecting your elders and not thinking of yourself first?

Companies are free to do as they please, whether you like it or not!

Answer 8

old age is a category open to all persons.

if there were free bus passes for whites only you'd have a point!

Answer 9

Are you serious?

I don't take offense to them. I'm looking forward to my 15% off.

Answer 10

Look at it as a reward for living so long.