"Senior Discounts"

One of the many pleasures of getting older is the ability to take advantage of the many “senior discounts” offered. Lodging, food, and an entire host of consumer products are offered to those “over 62” at substantial discounts.

Why that is, I haven’t a clue. Maybe everyone thinks we are aging pensioners who live on day old bread and use the give away government cheese programs to survive? Some of our brethren in fact do so, reduced to modest circumstances to make ends meet. Many of us however are more financially comfortable in our means and live relatively comfortable lives in our declining years.

I guess that is why I feel sometimes like the proprietor of an establishment is looking at me like I have just swiped coins from the muscular dystrophy can when I ask for the “senior discount.” Physically I don’t use a cane, a walker or drool excessively when I speak. Maybe that is why these skeptical souls suspect me of being younger than my 64 years? Bless them for their good judgment, but no, I didn’t lift any coins from the charity cans and I do qualify for the discount.

While the senior discounts are appreciated, I think I will noisily slip a few coins in whatever charity can is on the counter before asking for the “senior discount.” Maybe they will just then suppose that I am a youthful 64, give me the discount and not suspect me of misappropriating charity funds?

Or, more likely, I will just pay the full price for the item like everyone else and avoid the skepticism altogether.

J.X.M