As you get older, it’s important to make the most of your money. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already receiving your pension, you’ll likely be thinking about how best to manage and protect your finances. Luckily, there are plenty of discounts available for older people. To make sure you don’t miss out, we’ve put together a list of 10 great freebies and discounts for over-60s.
Top 10 Discounts for Over-60s
Whether you’re looking to travel across the country, pick up some new bits for your home, or to treat yourself to a cinema trip, there is something on this list for everyone. Of course, these are just 10 examples of the great freebies and discounts that are available for older people. It’s always worth checking before you book or buy; there might be a discount waiting for you.
1. Ride the Rail
It’s really important for older people to keep a strong social network. One way to do this is by heading out to visit friends and family across the country. It seems that train fares are always on the rise – but if you’re over 60, you can purchase tickets at a discounted price.
By purchasing a Senior Railcard you can get 1/3 off rail fares. Better yet is the fact that there are always special offers on railcards, meaning you can save even more money on your train journeys. If you have a Tesco Clubcard, you could use your points to get a 1-year Railcard for £15 instead of £30. However, if you’re a frequent traveller, you’ll want to go for the 3-year Railcard for £70 to get the best value.
You can apply for a Senior Railcard up to 14 days before your 60th birthday. You can also choose to receive a digital Railcard instead of a physical, plastic Railcard. The advantage of the digital version is that you can start using it straight away, as there’s no need to wait for postage. You can also store it on up to two devices, so there’s no need to worry about losing the actual card.
- If you prefer coach travel, National Express has the Senior Coachcard, which also gives you a 1/3 off standard and fully flexible fares across the country.
2. Iceland Over-60s Discount
It’s important to keep our cupboards and fridges well stocked, so it’s reassuring to know that some shops are doing their part to help. Supermarket chain Iceland have introduced a discount for over-60s. This deal can be claimed every Tuesday, and applies to every product. There is no minimum spend, either. All you need to be eligible is proof of age and you can get 10% off your weekly shop.
This discount also applies in The Food Warehouse.
3. More Points at Boots
If you prefer cosmetics or regularly stock up on supplements, you’ll want to check out the next of our great discounts for over-60s. You might be aware of the Boots Advantage Card scheme already. But did you know that over-60s can claim double the points on everything they buy at Boots? If you have a Boots Advantage Card and are 60 or over, you can claim extra discounts by joining the Over 60s Rewards scheme.
As a member, you’ll receive 8 points for every £1 you spend on Boots own-brand products and selected other products. There will also be exclusive events such as makeovers and prize draws, and you’ll receive extra points at Boots Hearingcare. What’s more, you’ll save 25% on your first pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses – more on glasses later.
4. Movie Savings
Going to the cinema has become a pretty expensive hobby over the years. However, some cinemas are now providing discounts for older people. For example, Odeon has the Silver Cinema Club which offers discounts for over-60s. This club includes a series of film screenings of movies aimed at the mature audience, with tickets costing as little as £3.50 across the country. As a bonus, you’ll also receive tea, coffee, and biscuits before the movie starts. Other national cinema chains offer similar schemes, including Empire and Picturehouse. Consider supporting independent cinemas, too, as they may offer concessions for over-60s.
5. Free TV
If you’re over the age of 75 and receive Pension Credit – or live with a partner in receipt of Pension Credit – you can enjoy all of your favourite TV shows for free. You’ll need to apply for your free TV Licence before you turn 75 in order to make the process simpler. Once you’ve received your Over 75 licence, it will cover you and anybody who you live with.
Remember, you need a TV Licence if you wish to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel. You’ll also need a licence to download or watch any BBC programmes on their iPlayer system (including live, catch up, or on-demand). This also includes use on tablets, mobile phones, and computers. Apply for your TV Licence today.
6. Cheaper Haircuts
The cost of a haircut varies across the country for men and women. However, most hairdressers and barbers do offer reduced rates for pensioners on a daily basis. Some even have dedicated days for older clients. It’s worth heading out around your local town to see what deals you can find. We’d also recommend doing your research online – many barbers and salons will give details of any discounts for over-60s on their websites.
7. Free Bus Pass
The rules on free bus passes for older people have changed in recent years. Currently, in England, you can claim a free older person’s bus pass once you reach the female State Pension age, regardless of your gender. This will provide you with free local bus travel anywhere in England.
In Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, you can get an older person’s bus pass when you turn 60.
If you live in London, the Freedom Pass will grant you free travel on bus, tram, DLR, and most rail services in London, as well as free local bus travel across England.
8. Free Prescriptions
If you’re over 60, any medicine prescribed by a doctor is free anywhere in the UK. To get your free prescriptions, make sure you tell the chemist at the till and fill in the back of the prescription. You might have to show proof of age. This is one of the best freebies for over-60s, as older people are generally more likely to be living with one or more long-term medical conditions.
9. Football Games
Football clubs across the country offer concession ticket prices for older people. The age limit will vary at each club so it’s worth checking out prices on your favourite team’s official website. Some clubs may even offer special senior prices throughout the season. There might also be discounts for over-60s on food and drink at your local stadium.
10. Specsavers Savings
You need to look after your eyes as you get older, as the risk of sight loss and other eye-related conditions increases. In some cases, glasses may be unavoidable, so it’s lucky that Specsavers offer 20% off glasses and lenses if you’re over 60. The only condition is that your glasses of choice are from the £69 range or above. Your glasses will include a scratch-resistant lens treatment as standard. What’s more, you may be eligible for a free NHS-funded eye test. See the Specsavers website for more information about who qualifies.
Bonus Discount: Save on a Personal Alarm
The LifeConnect24 alarm service is designed to promote safety and independence at home. For many people, a personal alarm is also a great way to save money, and there is now a way to save even more. When you buy a personal alarm from LifeConnect24 and use the code BLOG15, you save £15 on our personal alarm service. This is a great saving for extra peace of mind. What’s more, you don’t even need to be over 60 to use it; this offer is open to anyone purchasing a LifeConnect24 alarm.
An alarm lets you call for help quickly in an emergency, often leading to faster medical treatment and better recovery. This can help you live independently at home for as long as possible, rather than having to move into a costly care home. Personal alarms can also help the NHS.
More Freebies and Discounts for Over-60s
And there you have it: 10 great discounts for over-60s in the UK. Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive. Even if we haven’t mentioned your favourite chain or activity on this list, it’s always worth asking a member of staff or checking on the website. There may well be a discount for you, so make sure you claim it.
For more finance tips and money-saving advice, check out the Finance section of our blog.
Personal Alarm Information
For more information about our life-saving personal alarm service, please get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 030 8999. Alternatively, complete our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also read a quick guide to the pendant alarm service here.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 21st February 2024 to reflect current information.
What can l get now l'm 60? The best senior
Hello Gillian, Most of the discounts on this list will be available to you if you are sixty or over. Some hairdressers, for example, may not provide discounts to over-60s, but many do. You will not be able to get the B&Q Diamond Card, as these are no longer issued. You may want to consider signing up for their B&Q Club scheme, however. You will also not be eligible for a free TV licence until you are over 75. Finally, for older adults in England bus passes are not available until you are 66. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, however, you are eligible at age 60. We hope this information has proved helpful. Kind regards, LifeConnect24
Can I use my bus pass from Northern Ireland in Scotland,England and Wales
Hello Paul, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, as they are different schemes, a Northern Ireland bus pass cannot be used elsewhere in the UK, just as bus passes from elsewhere in the UK cannot be used in Northern Ireland. We hope this has proven useful. Kind regards, LifeConnect24
If you live in a London Borough you can apply for a 60plus Oyster. This gives you free travel within London Boroughs, after 9am, on bus, tube, DLR. tram and most trains