What is a “senior” exactly?
You have the Collins English Dictionary version:
(adj) superior in rank or standing; older; of or for older pupils
(n) senior person
I like to think we fit the adjective definition of “superior in rank or standing.” We are definitely “older” (but still younger than someone!)
As for the noun…
When do you actually cross the wondrous threshold which makes you a “senior person”?
50?
I was able to join the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) at the age of 50 which entitled me to a number of benefits and discounts. I pay far less for home and cellular phone than I used to!
http://www.carp.ca/benefits-a-z/
55?
Several businesses gave me senior discounts when I hit 55. I celebrated my 55th birthday by going to Humpty’s Restaurant. Better than champagne at a swanky restaurant was getting my shiny green Humpty’s Emerald Club card which entitles me to 10% off , 20% on Tuesdays if you can manage to keep track of the days of the week post-retirement. (They also have marvellous sugar and jam packets on offer for the financially strapped kleptomaniac.)
https://www.humptys.com/emerald-55-club-card-registration/
60?
Many organizations and businesses called my husband a senior at 60. When he realized other folks were referring to him as a senior, he immediately started feeling “superior in standing” and then applied for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Some people wait until they are 65 for this one but after some number crunching, we decided applying at 60 could work for us.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-benefit/apply.html
65?
This is the big one. Hubby turns 65 this year and will be eligible for the Old Age Security payment. (“Security” may be overstating the effect this amount has on a senior, but it helps!)
Additionally, many 65-year-olds are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and their spouses age 60 – 64 may be entitled to an allowance.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/payments.html
A 65-year-old here in my home province, may qualify for the Alberta Seniors Benefit which includes vision and health care. As a heart attack survivor on drugs to prevent a repeat, that medical benefit is precious to my hubby, and he is precious to ME, so I’m happy about this too.
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx
Here we are, still trying to decide if we are “senior persons”.
This list of discounts is sorted by category and age. It appears we are, or are not, a senior depending on who’s looking. Sometimes the discount is only given if we ask about it and follow with proof of age so a list of opportunities is helpful!
https://carleton.ca/cura/wp-content/uploads/Canadian-Senior-Discounts.pdf
But this, folks, this is the best indication of our senior status.
We received an invitation from our grandson for the school’s Seniors Tea. I can’t think of a better way to make it official. We weren’t available for these events for the older kids, still working and living two hours away. It is sheer joy to RSVP with a resounding,
“YES!” knowing the school is just 15 minutes away.
Looks like I’m a senior and happy to embrace it! “Tea” means cookies and cake you know… I am IN!
If you have any tips on discounts and subsidies, let me know! I’d love to hear from some of you.
Path to Pasture 