why do senior citizens get discounts?

Question

specially those who are well off cause of pension, retirement money, social security..
why should they get discounts?
what good is it to keep more money for them in their pocket, i mean is not like they're gonna take it with them when they die..
shouldnt the poor be the ones with the discounts? (no matter how old)

i thinks its ok for the old who are poor should get a discount, but not the ones who are well off, like those who drive the Cadis, own business and such.

overall i dont think there should be discounts at all.

No im not selfish, nor am i self-center,
it was a question out of curiosity and situations ive seen at my work.

Answer 1

Okay, I'm 45 and have not reached that age of discounts yet, but I still believe that all seniors, whether rich or poor, deserve the discounts they get. Why is that? It's because in many countries, the elderly people are revered, cherished, admired and respected. They are considered wise and are to be respected. In the U.S., our senior citizens are often cast off and put away as if they are someone's garbage. While it's true that many seniors have children and grandchildren who love and respect them, so many others are forgotten and alone, living their last days in nursing homes, many of which are of very poor quality.

I believe that senior citizens worked in their youth and made contributions to society which have benefited the next generation of citizens. Their life experience, contributions and wisdom EARNS them the right to be treated with respect and care, whether or not they are rich or poor. For the simple fact that they have earned the respect of the younger generations, I believe they ALL deserve every discount they get. It is a small price for the rest of us to pay, in gratitude for all they have done for future generations.

Answer 2

With how the government screws them over on medicine prices, they figure they'll pay them back by giving them 10% off their cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Haaaahaha I remember when I used to work there, it'd be really busy and we'd forget to go through the extra 10 steps it takes to do the senior discount in the register, and they would get sooooo mad. You'd think someone old (ie, mature) enough would have the common sense to be a little LESS rude. Regardless of how old you are or what you've been through, that doesn't give you the right to be an *** to everyone in the world who doesn't make your 10% discount their top priority in life.

p.s., By the time we're old and decrepit enough to get social security, it won't exist.

p.p.s., I love how all of the self righteous people get all anal about this question, taking it completely out of context.

p.p.p.s., Curiosity doesn't make you selfish. I don't understand why you ask a question, and instead of getting a response/explination, people jump down your throat.

p.p.p.p.s., I also love how everyone thinks you're 16.

Answer 3

You must be very young or just another member of the "me" generation.

I am retired, with a good pension which I contributed to myself, I saved as much as I could when I could and because I have that little nest egg why should I be deprived of my perks. Social security does not and will not ever provide enough to keep anyone going if it even lasts until you are old enough to benefit from it. The money I have in my pocket I earned and if anyone wants to give me a discount because I am a senior, God bless 'em. I will take it gladly.

If you think low income is bad, try a fixed income.

Answer 4

I agree with you. But there is no way for those giving the discounts to know who has or who has not. So it is best if they are going to do it they must do it for all. Then again if they only gave out to the poor would this be insulting to them! There is a lot of assistance for those in need . A lot of people won't accept help. A discount for the Seniors is just a simple thank you for whatever.

Answer 5

Senior citizens, first off, are a large group of voting citizens, who have the time to make themselves heard, and the inclination to do it. In other words, they have the political ear bent towards them (think of AARP, a large political action group).

Secondly, although there is a very visible sector of seniors who have raped the corporate/political system in their work years and do make more money retired than I'll ever make working, there is a larger, sicker, more desperate per centage that are getting by on Social Security (try living on under $2K/month in any large city). No, they are not going to "take it with them when they die", but they are just getting by while they are living, and may have curtailed their lifestyle greatly in order to do that.

Do you only know the rich, retired elderly???

Answer 6

Middle class do get senior discounts,some of which do not get extra retirements pensions!the extra money they get with saving, comes from years of learning to cope with less,which is what a lot of folks need to do now,learn to save, instead of getting in deep debts.Most seniors want to leave something for their children when the pass.Or to pay for funeral costs,so that relatives don't have to do it.Normally its only a 10% discount anyhow before taxe's.I wouldn't know about the well off or what they get, low income bracket is what im talking about.

Answer 7

Don't know why not, but it's the stores right to refuse to give the discount to anyone other than the senior. Classier to not ask someone to call that type attention to themselves. (worry about your own skivvies -- mine are sanfordized so they don't wad) Think I misunderstood the question: If what's being bought is with a recipiant that's furnishing the funds and is not entitled to the discount, it may/may not be legal, but it's the ultimate in 'CHEAPO' and disgusting.

Answer 8

It is a nice little courtesy offered by companies to seniors. Also it it not something required so companies that do offer the discounts are practicing good public relations. How about that $4 walmart medicine discount? That's for everyone.

Answer 9

Because, as older people who have already paid into taxes and social security, the government feels that they need a break from paying a lot. Also, senior citizens probably do not have a high paying job, and have very little money to spare on expenses.

Answer 10

Having a Pension, Retirement income, or Social Security,
does not make you rich. It's based on what you once earned.
Remember salaries were a lot lower back then.
Seniors are on a fixed income with no chance of improvement.