Opening the door to discounts, freebies
Editor’s note: The Coachella Valley world of discounts for seniors is too extensive to cover in one story. Look for more in future issues.
Growing older has its perks.
You’ve heard that before, then remember your groaning knees and creaky back and snort.
But life is not all painful — take the world of senior discounts that abound in the Coachella Valley.
First, you have to get over the word “senior,” which slots you into an age group with perceived behaviors you may eschew. However, discounts are one way to get over grousing about a “senior” label.
“So many older adults don’t like the word senior unless you get a discount,” says Jack Newby, director of development of Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs.
While senior centers contacted for this story did not offer lists of specific discounts, centers themselves are loaded with discounted, low-cost and free programs and services, says Newby and Caroline Doran, recreation coordinator at La Quinta Senior Center.
For annual membership fees no higher than $30, the La Quinta and Palm Springs centers offer free programs, consultations with various experts and health screenings; low-cost or free meals, and low-cost exercise, recreation and entertainment programs.
Get started
Here’s a few basic paths into the world of discounts and information about one generous program in the Coachella Valley.
1. Always ask. Many discounts are provided only if you ask.
2. Go online and look up words like “senior discounts.” Seniordiscounts.com and Freebies.about.com are good sites to start.
3. When you contact any business, ask about special offers, closeouts and senior discounts.
4. Look in newspaper and magazine ads
5. Join AARP
6. Join the Healthy Living Resource Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.
The Healthy Living Resource Center (HLRC) is open to both permanent and seasonal desert residents. It offers membership discounts, and a variety of free or low-cost health-related programs and services, including:
• Advance Health Care Directive and Vial of Life (emergency medical information) packet and wallet card
• Arthritis education program
• Assisted living counseling and information
• Blood pressure checks
• Brochures on medical and health topics, aging and senior issues
• Community education programs
• Community Resource Guide — 100+ pages of local resources
• Exercise classes (arthritis, core strength, strength training, stretch yoga and Tai chi)
• Healthy Living magazine subscription, published three times a year
• Health and community information
• Medicare counseling and workshops
• Physician referral service
• Nutritional education classes
• Member discounts
HLRC member discounts include many restaurants, such as the Nest in Indian Wells, Bones N Scones in Palm Desert and Las Casuelas Quinta in La Quinta. Discounts are also available for golf, massage, flowers and more.
For a complete list and membership information, go to www.emc.org.