Growing old is not without its perks

There are many deals available for seniors. Here are some examples, but it's not an exhaustive list. It's worth asking for a senior citizen discount every time you take out your wallet.

Orion Hotels gives people aged 60 and over a 40% discount on bed-and-breakfast rates at all their hotels. Contact them on sales@orion-hotels.co.za or 0117186452. Offers are subject to availability;

Alexander Forbes has a policy called 55plus which offers exclusive short-term insurance for retired individuals. This rewards you for "your high level of responsibility and low levels of risk" and offers you lower premiums for the same cover as other products;

All SANparks reserves offer deals for over-60s ranging from 20% to 40% off, provided the booking is made in the name of the pensioner. Check their website, www.sanparks.co.za;

Abloom Bush Lodge and Spa Retreat offer a 10% discount for over-60s in their five-star lodge east of Pretoria between Tuesday and Thursday. Check out www.abloom.co.za;

Dischem offers double points to pensioners on alternate Wednesdays each month. You need to get a pensioner's card from your most convenient branch to qualify. The card has a calendar on the back indicating the applicable days. Dischem also has a pensioners' tea once a year at which product hampers are given out;

Dion stores offer people over 60 discounts of 10% on all purchases made on a Tuesday up to a total value of R1000. This offer excludes goods already discounted as special offers. You need to go into a Dion store, show your ID and ask for a senior citizen's card, which you use to purchase goods;

Hertz offers discounts on car rentals of up to 15% to over-55s. Bookings must be made via the Hertz call centre. The offer is subject to availability. For further information, contact Hertz on 0861600136;

Avis offers a 20% discount on any group of car hire to all seniors who are 65 and older;

If you are over 60, you qualify for the Alliance option from the AA, which has an annual fee of R497.50. The Alliance package gives you the same benefits as the R780 Advantage package, except, instead of five call-outs a year, you get three;

RCI resorts is a timeshare facility offering a 10% saving for pensioners on 141 exchanges or 20% discount on bonus (cash bookings) for midweeks at selected resorts. Joining fees are in the region of R850 a year;

Nu Metro offers over-60s R10 off 2D movies and R20 off 3D movies;

Greyhound offers a 5% discount to anyone over 60 who can produce a valid ID or senior citizen card; and

The South African Association of Retired Persons (SAARP) caters specifically for senior citizens and negotiates good deals for its members. The website is www.saarp.co.za.