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Grow old and save money
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July 3, 2000: 8:22 a.m. ET
If you're over 50, you may be eligible for Internet, travel and movie discounts
By Staff Writers Martine Costello and Jennifer Karchmer
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Getting old may not be easy or fun, but at least you can save yourself some money.
If you're a Baby Boomer fast approaching retirement, or if you've already stopped working, you're eligible for discounts on everything from airfare to movie tickets.
You can even find cheaper prescription drugs, hearing-aid batteries and special prices on Internet connections.
 "You have to remember that the population of our country is changing: It's growing older," said Cheryl Johnson, a geriatric social worker and partner at friendly4seniors.com, a Web site with information and links for 60-somethings. "We're focusing more on senior-aged people. Even advertising has changed."
Why do seniors love a good bargain? Even though they are working longer and have acquired more wealth than previous generations, many seniors lived through the Depression and World War II when saving money was so important, Johnson said.
Plus, leaving money for loved ones is important to them, she said.
It starts with a little card
You might be dreading your 50th birthday, but that's when you'll become eligible to start saving. With a membership in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), you'll qualify for dozens of discounts and special programs.
Membership in AARP is $10 a year and includes spouses regardless of their ages. AARP's Web site lists dozens of discounts of up to 25 percent on hotels, car rentals, cruises, airfare and online shopping.
Become a member of AARP (you must be at least 50)
Many other companies are also offering special deals for seniors. For example, Sony Corp. in New York City has a $6 movie ticket price any time for people 55 and older at most Manhattan theatres, while FTD Direct has a 15 percent discount on flowers and gift baskets.
And Over the Hill Gang, a Colorado-based skiing group for seniors, offers discounts at more than 100 ski resorts in the United States and Canada. Members can also get deals on equipment at 70 ski shops, said Louise Connor, a group spokeswoman.
"What we're finding is people are staying healthier and more active as they're getting older," Connor said. "A lot of them don't see themselves as over the hill."
Friendly4seniors.com has links for discounted carpet care, tax services, gourmet gift baskets, and even caskets. A geriatric consultant reviews each link carefully, Johnson said.
"We don't just submit a link - we visit each individual link to make sure it is truly a senior site and to make sure it isn't people trying to rip someone off," Johnson said.
Don't be bashful about your age
Keep in mind, though, that the definition of "senior" depends on where you go, said AARP spokesman Tom Otwell. While you can get an AARP discount at 50, some airlines and resorts require that you be 62 or even 65 to qualify for cut rates.
And just being a senior and having the AARP card isn't enough to get you good bargains.
You're also going to have to speak up and ask about a discount, said Joan Rattner Heilman, author of "Unbelievably Good Deals & Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50."
 Do your homework before traveling or making reservations - and ask about a senior special when you're at the cash register. You'll also have to show some ID to prove your age.
Heilman said she always calls a place before she goes to see if there is a senior discount.
"The major trick is not to be bashful," Heilman said. A lot of people are so embarrassed about their age that they whisper it when they get to a store, she said.
"I think seniors should take advantage of discounts. You're crazy if you don't," Heilman said. "Speak up and say 'I would like my senior discount.'" 
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