by Free travel
The UK state pension age has been raised but many companies and organizations still cling to the “big 6-0” as the point at which senior citizenship begins, and continues to represent a money-saving milestone as a result.
In Wales and Scotland you qualify for a free bus pass for an elderly person aged 60 or over. You must apply and provide proof of age and address and a photograph such as a passport.
In Scotland you can get free bus travel through the National Entitlement Card, which gives residents of Orkney and the Western Isles two free return journeys to mainland Scotland each year.
In England, the elderly’s free bus pass only comes when you reach state pension age (currently 66) – except in London. If you live in the capital, you can travel there for free at the age of 60. You can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard until you are eligible for a Freedom Pass, the current eligibility age is 66.
The 60+ photocard gives you free travel on buses, the tube, trams, Docks Light Rail, Overland, the Elizabeth line (except between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London, from 9am during the week and at any time. at weekends and bank holidays (from 9.30am weekdays for National Rail services). You also get discounted fares on river services such as Thames Clippers, and discounts on Santander bike hire.
For full details, see the TfL website.
Get a rail or coach card
The senior railcard is for those aged 60 and over and costs £30 a year, or £70 for three years, and gives you a third off rail travel.
National Rail, which issues the cards, says senior railcard holders save an average of £86 a year, or £5.26 per journey. The railcard is not valid during the morning peak – times vary across the country, so you’ll need to check before you travel.
A National Express senior coach card, which costs £15 plus £3 postage, gives you a third off standard and flexible fares, plus £15 day return anywhere in the UK on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
There are no restrictions on peak and off-peak travel times, so you can travel when it suits you.
Vacation for less
If you’re booking a trip out of town, ask if your airline, train company or hotel, including overseas chains, offer a senior discount.
In the past the budget hotel chain Travelodge has offered over-60s 25% off selected deals, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the US is among those offering reduced rates.
Eurostar offers special senior fares for over 60s on its continental routes (for example, Brussels to Paris and Brussels to Amsterdam), but not on journeys between the UK and mainland Europe.
Enjoy a show
Many theaters and cinemas have special deals and screenings for the over 60s.
You can get £20 off tickets for midweek matinees (comprising £89 and £69 full price tickets, or £79 and £59 tickets for the upcoming production of Ballet Shoes) at the Lyttelton and Olivier theaters at the National Theater London. For shows at the Dorfman Theatre, higher priced tickets are reduced to £36 for midweek traders.
Other theaters in London that offer discounted tickets for over 60s include the Old Vic and the Young Vic.
The Ambassador Theater Group runs one of the UK’s biggest ticketing operations, ATG Tickets, and says over-60s get discounts at selected venues and shows, so it’s worth checking before you book.
The Silver Screen club, which is free to join the Picturehouse cinema chain, offers over-60s a free hot drink and discounted tickets, usually for matinee shows.
The Odeon chain’s Silvers scheme shows films at quieter times of the day, with tickets from £3.50 including tea, coffee and biscuits served before the film.
Showcase cinemas have Cash Screenings on Mondays, and tickets for all films starting before 4pm are usually £4.99 off.
Go out
Almost one million people over the age of 60 benefit from the National Trust’s senior concession, a 25% discount on membership, reducing the cost to £68.40 for a single senior membership, or £113.40 for a joint senior membership, provided you were a member all year. at least for three consecutive years.
The Royal Horticultural Society offers a deep discount on its lifetime membership, reducing the single price from £1,495 to £935.
Shop with a discount
The Icelandic supermarket chain has a Bonus Card scheme that provides offers and savings to all shoppers, but there’s an extra perk for cardholders over 60: a 10% discount in their stores every Tuesday. When shopping you will need to show ID – senior bus pass, senior rail card or driving licence.
Asda is another retailer that targets the over 60s with deals. It ran a popular “winter warmer” meal deal between November 1 last year and the end of February this year, which offered soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee for £1 in any of its 205 cafes. Keep an eye out for future offers.
Play or watch sport
Older fans of sports including football, cricket and rugby often receive discounts on tickets. In many cases you must be at least 65 or 66 but there are some season ticket schemes for football clubs, such as Sheffield United’s, which start reductions at the age of 60.
Some golf clubs offer membership discounts or incentives for older players. Age requirements vary. The GolfSupport.com website conducted a survey from the UK and published its results, which may help you find a good deal in your area.
Stay healthy
NHS prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free for everyone but in England you have to pay until you turn 60; after that they are free.
In Wales, NHS dental examinations are also free for people aged 60 and over. Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations.
NHS-funded eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland. In the rest of the UK, people aged 60 and over are entitled to free NHS eye tests, which you can take at most optometrists.
Specsavers offers a 20% discount for over 60s, and Boots Opticians has a 10% discount on your first pair of glasses.
The Advantage Card loyalty scheme at Boots gives you access to Over 60s Rewards, which gives you more points: eight for every £1 spent on Boots brands and selected exclusives, including No 7, Botanics, Liz Earle, Champneys and Joules.
