In this article
- 1. What is a senior citizen?
- 2. What is considered senior citizen age?
- 3. What is the AARP?
- 4. What discounts are available for seniors?
- 5. Are there tax breaks for senior citizens?
- 6. How can I find affordable housing as a senior?
- 7. Are there communities just for senior citizens?
- 8. What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare?
- 9. How do I apply for Social Security benefits?
- 10. Where can I find information about senior citizen services in my community?
There are a lot of questions that come up anytime you enter a new phase of life — and that includes seniorhood. What exactly does it mean to become a senior citizen? Is it when you start retirement or the moment you become a grandparent? Perhaps it’s just when you become eligible for Medicare?
The truth is, life as a senior citizen can look very different from person to person. But there are a few important things you should know about, such as discounts you’re eligible for and how to apply for certain senior-only benefits. We’ve spoken to a few experts to break down this info to make the transition into senior life as smooth as ever.
Key takeaways
- Senior citizens are generally older adults in their 60s who may be transitioning toward retirement and applying for Medicare and Social Security benefits.
- There are many discounts geared toward seniors that can be used at restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, pharmacies and more.
- Seniors have a variety of living and care options to choose from as they age and their care needs change, from affordable senior housing to assisted living facilities.
1. What is a senior citizen?
“A senior citizen is generally defined as an adult who is 65 or older, often coinciding with retirement age and eligibility for certain benefits such as pensions, healthcare support or discounts,” says Giselle Bardwell, president of Brightstar Care Cleveland. “However, the term can also… encompass individuals facing age-related physical or cognitive conditions that impact their daily functioning, even if they are younger than the typical age range.”
2. What is considered senior citizen age?
People are often considered seniors somewhere between the ages of 50 and 65. That said, it may depend on the situation, says Kim Barnes, senior caregiving expert at JubileeTV. Some retail stores, restaurants and travel companies offer discounts at different ages, starting at around age 50, she explains. Additionally, you “do have to be 65 to be eligible for Medicare (unless you have a disability), a higher standard deduction for IRS and it’s [also] the age when some states will freeze property taxes.”
3. What is the AARP?
The AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused on issues that affect individuals ages 50 and older, including:
- Protecting social security.
- Reducing prescription drug costs.
- Fighting age discrimination.
- Improving healthcare.
AARP membership is open to anyone 18 and over, and the organization offers numerous discounts and resources, though many are only available to senior citizens.
4. What discounts are available for seniors?
There are many discounts and benefits available for seniors at restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, movie theaters and more. Here are a few of the most popular discounts for senior citizens:
- Walgreens: Up to 30% off for seniors ages 55 and up on select Senior Days.
- AMC Theaters: Discounted tickets ($1-4) for seniors ages 60 and up.
- National Parks Senior Pass: $80 for a lifetime pass for seniors over 62.
- AARP Membership: A $20 membership offers discounts on car rentals, hotels, financial planning, theme parks, car repairs, streaming services and more.
Read more:
5. Are there tax breaks for senior citizens?
Bardwell offers insight into a few of the more common tax breaks available to seniors:
- Higher standard deduction. According to the AARP, seniors ages 65 and older are eligible for a higher standard deduction when filing their taxes.
- Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. According to the IRS, seniors who meet specific income and age requirements may qualify for this credit, which can reduce their tax liability. Eligibility depends on factors like filing status and income thresholds.
- Free tax assistance. Programs like the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offer free tax preparation services for seniors, ensuring they maximize their deductions and credits.
Our experts highly recommend speaking with a certified personal accountant (CPA) or similar for more assistance with reducing the overall tax burden on seniors.
6. How can I find affordable housing as a senior?
“Finding affordable housing for senior citizens can be made easier with the right resources and services,” says Bardwell. Here are some options and databases she recommends as you search for places to move in your senior years:
- Local housing authorities. Organizations like the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) in Northeast Ohio provide affordable housing options for seniors, including public housing and Section 8 vouchers.
- National housing resources. Websites like SeniorHousingNet and Affordable Housing Online provide comprehensive databases of affordable senior housing options across the U.S.
- HUD resources for seniors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs like Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, which provides affordable housing with supportive services.
7. Are there communities just for senior citizens?
“[Senior living communities or retirement communities] cater to the unique needs of older adults, offering various levels of care and amenities,” says Bardwell. She breaks them down as follows:
- Independent living communities. For active seniors who want to downsize and enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, with amenities like fitness centers and social activities.
- Assisted living communities. Provide support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management, while still promoting independence.
- Memory care communities. Designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These offer specialized senior care and a secure environment.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Provide a range of living options, from independent living to skilled nursing care, allowing residents to transition as their healthcare needs change.
“The best way to find out about communities is to ask friends, neighbors, co-workers and family,” adds Barnes. She also recommends working with senior care advisors who know the community well, as they can narrow down options based on the person’s care needs, desired location, amenities and income.
Read more:
8. What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare?
Anyone 65 and older is eligible for Medicare, but you can also become eligible under other circumstances, such as if you’re under 65 but getting disability benefits. Medicare.gov has a wealth of information on who is eligible and how to get started applying.
9. How do I apply for Social Security benefits?
“You can apply anytime between the ages of 62 and 70 to get [social security] benefits,” says Barnes. “The longer you wait, the more money you’ll get, up until the age of 70.”
Make sure you have access to relevant information — such as your work history for the past five years and bank account information — and visit the Social Security website to apply.
10. Where can I find information about senior citizen services in my community?
The experts we spoke to recommend the following resources:
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Provide information on housing, healthcare and other senior-related services, based on your city/area.
- Local senior centers. Many towns and cities have senior centers that offer a variety of programs, from recreational activities to meal services.
- City or county websites. Municipal websites often have dedicated sections for senior services.
- National databases. Tools like Eldercare Locator can help you find services and support in your area by simply entering your ZIP code.
- Social media groups. Neighborhood groups as well as caregiving groups can lead to resources in your specific community.
