Benefits of age: Discount prices

NEW YORK - A lower ticket price at the movies isn't the only financial perk of getting older.

With baby boomers not showing any signs of slowing down, those turning 62 will be glad to know the milestone comes with significant discounts. To induct the latest wave of boomers into the seniors club in 2011, here are some benefits worth noting:

Shopping. Many national retailers quietly offer little-known discounts of 10 percent to 15 percent to older customers. For example, Kohl's, the department-store chain, reduces prices for customers 62 and older on certain days of the week. Other retailers that offer senior discounts include Banana Republic, KB Toys, and Ross Dress for Less.

"It's not as unusual as you think, but you have to ask," said Marshal Cohen, an analyst with the market researcher NPD Group.

Stores generally don't publicize the discounts or list them prominently on websites, in part because they're available only to a select group.

With national chains, keep in mind that policies can vary by location.

Some offer discounts for those as young as 50.

Travel. Airlines, hotels, and other travel companies don't always make their senior discounts easy to find on their websites, so it's worth calling customer service to check what deals are available.

Regardless of where you find a discounted senior rate, keep in mind that it won't always be the cheapest available option. It's worth checking whether the company is running any special promotions that can save you more. Or you might be able to find a better deal through third-party vendors such as Cheaptickets.com or Priceline.com.

Community services. Local governments also extend numerous free or low-cost services to seniors. The hub for tapping into these services is typically a local senior center.

Savings could go far beyond recreational activities. In New York City, for instance, those 65 and older qualify for reduced mass-transit fares regardless of their income.

AARP. Anyone over 50 can join, and membership costs $16 a year (or $43 for three years and $63 for five years). The fee includes a subscription to the group's magazine, which covers health, financial, and political issues affecting seniors, and access to a vast range of discounts.

AARP partners with grocery and restaurant coupon sites and numerous retailers, restaurants, and travel companies to offer members discounts. One popular discount is for 20 percent off at Denny's restaurants. The discount is good from 4 to 10 p.m. Coffee is $1 for members and their guests all day.

One new AARP travel option lets members spend a week volunteering at a senior care center in Lima, Peru. The cost is about $1,500 and includes meals, lodging, but not airfare.