While senior discounts may have, possibly, originated as a way to help struggling seniors, what senior discounts today (outside of the state & federal tax deductions) would actually fall into this category?
Grocery store discounts are few and far between now, so if the goal was to actually assist struggling seniors, those discounts would be widely available. Instead, they are being reduced or stopped entirely. I think the only store in my area that has a 5% (I think that's what it is now) senior discount for groceries is Publix. In a state where we pay 9% tax on all groceries, that is a help but if it that discount was completely altruistic, a full 9% discount would be better. Kroger did away with their senior discount not too long ago, and the other two stores/brands in town never offered one. As an aside, all of the stores in my area stopped 'doubling coupons', too. Wouldn't keeping that policy help if the goal of discount/savings was really to help those seniors who are struggling?
Most of the discounts mentioned in the author's piece fall under the "extras" column for me. A truly struggling senior doesn't have room in their budget for fast food coffee, a Denny's meal, a movie ticket, or a ski pass.
Back in high school & college, I worked at a fast food restaurant. There were constant gripes about the senior discounts because they cost the owner more than what they brought in. They were simply designed as an enticement to get bodies in the door to spend money (ex, buy a biscuit with that coffee), but most came in, got only their free coffee (with free cream and sugar), and just sat in the dining room for hours. If the discount was altruistic, why would this be brought up at every managers' meeting? They were looking at the bottom line, and not as a way of helping struggling seniors. Corporate said they had to offer the discount, though, otherwise the owner would have ended it.
It seems the author just wants kudos from those who want to "punish the rich". No one is forcing stores/eateries/parks/etc to offer senior discounts, so what's the bee in the author's bonnet really about? I can't see getting so upset about discounted subway/bus passes, so there must be something that brought on his need to write the piece. I wonder if the author will avail himself of senior discounts once he is old enough if he is above the poverty line or whatever means test he seems to approve of, or will he willingly pay more?
I am nowhere near being eligible for a senior discount, but when I am, I will absolutely make use of them, the same way I use coupons when shopping, or when I shop during sales. They are three peas in a pod ~~ enticement to get consumers into their stores in order for them to spend more.
