Twelve percent of New Hampshire’s population is 65 and older, and in 20 years this may become 24% or more. These numbers are fairly true of the entire U.S.
So I see increasing political and economic power coming to the so-called over-the-hill crowd. Remember – seniors are already the most consistent voters during election season. Seniors also know very well how to vote with their dollars.
So, power is in our hands. And it’s time to use it.
For instance, let’s not wait for discounts. Let’s boldly ask! Ask for them in restaurants theaters, college courses, ski lifts, movies, beauty parlors, and, of course, shops. Hmm, how about lawyers, dentists, and doctors?
If discounts aren’t forthcoming – we’ll just take our business elsewhere. Right?
Don’t forget that it is an advantage to shops and businesses to offer discounts. Some perks to them are:
- Seniors can buy on the slow day of the week (often Tuesday) and during slow periods of the day (when others are at work) so sale dollars will be increased. And businesses that do not offer discounts lose out to those that do!
- Once inside store, seniors may buy other items, increasing sales, too
- Seniors are great about referring their peers to a business or professional they perceive as having a good reputation
The recent New Hampshire State Plan on Aging is a nice state plan, good till 2015. It talks about infrastructure (helpful for getting out and about), and it has many plans for the ailments of aging.
However, it appears that business people were not part of the committee/commission. So, there is no information on how businesses (how about tourism?) might want to reconsider their ways of doing business as the population skews toward older people. That was a disappointing omission.
Here are few websites that list discounts nationwide and some that are lists of lists. The list is in no way complete and does not list, as yet, local businesses that offer discounts.
If you know of any local businesses that do offer discounts please send me an email and I will be happy to list them. Conversely if you know of a local business that has refused to give you a discount let me know and I will list them also.
Remember, if you do not get offered a discount ask for one.