Many people across the UK are continuing to feel the pinch from the cost of living crisis. As we head towards the expensive Christmas period, Brits will be looking to save some cash where they can.
The good news is that there are a number of freebies and discounts available to over 60s. From free healthcare and discounted travel to cheaper hotel stays and days out, there are plenty of options available to help people save some money. Here is a list of freebies and discounts available to older people.
The following are free for over 60s:
- Prescriptions
- NHS eye tests.
The Government previously confirmed that everyone aged 60 and over will receive free prescriptions. It came despite past considerations to raise it to the State Pension age.
You can also get free NHS sight tests when you turn 60. Several major opticians, including Specsavers and Boots, offer free tests and vouchers for glasses.
Over 60s are entitled to a number of travel perks, including discounted:
- Senior railcards
- Interrail passes
- Bus passes
- National Express senior coachcard
- Vehicle discounts
All over-60s can save 1/3 on rail fares across the UK and a 10% discount on travel in Europe. In Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London, people get a free bus pass after reaching 60.
Over 60s are also entitled to a National Express senior coachcard, which gives 1/3 off standard and full flexible tickets. Meanwhile, vehicle discounts are available from ATS Euromaster to people who join their Club 60 group.
A number of hotel groups offer discounts to senior people. They include:
- Princess Hotels & Resorts – 10% off bookings.
- Marriott Bonvoy – discount to all guests aged 62 and over.
- Radisson Hotels – 10% off rates for senior customers.
- Hilton Hotels – Customers aged 65 and over can save up to 6%.
- RH Hotels – 5% discount and free water/wine at meals for those over 60.
Some food and restaurant chains offer discounts to older people. They include:
- Greene King Pubs – reduced prices for senior citizens.
- Patisserie Valerie – 10% off for over 60s.
- Dobbies garden centres – Over-60s can enjoy a main course and any cake for £12. This is available between midday and 3pm from Monday to Friday.
There are a number of discounts available at the following sites:
- National Trust
- English Heritage
- Royal Horticultural Society
- Royal Botanical Kew Gardens
Existing National Trust members can request 25% off their subscription after reaching 60. This means they pay £72 for entry to over 500 locations across the UK.
A senior English Heritage membership card costs £69 a year. This offers access to more than 400 sites and gives you free parking at most of them.
The Royal Horticultural Society offers a senior life membership card to over 60s. Meanwhile, the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens gives concession to those over 65.
The following theatres and museums offer discounts to older people:
- National Theatre – up to £20 off select tickets for over 60s on midweek matinees.
- Royal Shakespeare Company – a 20% discount is available to over 65s for evening performances on a Monday and Tuesday.
- Birmingham Hippodrome – concessions to all over 65s.
- Savoy Theatre – anyone over 60 can claim concessionary tickets.
- Theatre Royal Glasgow – discounts for everyone over 60.
- Imperial War Museums – discounts available for over 60s.
- Tate Modern – over 60s are entitled to discount on special exhibitions.
- London Transport Museum – over 60s are offered concessions on annual passes.
A number of major retailers offer discounts to older citizens. They include:
- Boots – its over-60s reward gets you eight points on every £1 you spend on Boots’ brands and selected exclusives.
- Iceland – over 60s get a 10% discount every Tuesday with a bonus card.
- Odeon – the Silver Cinema Club is available to over 60s who can enjoy special screenings during quieter times of the day. The tickets include tea, coffee and biscuits.
- Specsavers – if you’re over 60 and buy a single pair of glasses from the store’s £70 range or above, you’ll get 20% off.