By George Anderson
The nation is getting older but the definition of senior citizen keeps getting younger. Although many Americans are now choosing to work past the "retirement age" of 65, consumers can start receiving some of the perks of "old age" as young as 50.
Today, those reaching their fiftieth birthday qualify to become members of AARP and gain access to discounts and other benefits from over 75 businesses approved by the group. According to a Knight Ridder News Service report, more than 2,000 businesses annually apply to AARP every year with the hopes of gaining access to the organization's 35 million members.
Moderator's Comment: Has it become almost standard practice for companies serving consumers 50+ to offer age-related discounts? Are the companies that don't at a competitive disadvantage?
It turns out that some 50-year olds are reluctant to take advantage of the deals being offered. To those people, Joan Rattner Heilman, the author of Unbelievably Good Deals, has a few words of advice: 'Snap out of it — and start saving.' - George Anderson - Moderator