REMEMBER GETTING CARDED? We couldn’t wait to be old enough to see an R-rated movie or buy a beer without showing proof of age. “The Exorcist” is on TV and 3.2 beer is a relic from the ’80s. But an I.D. is still fun to flash if you’re looking for a deal. Check out aarp.org for member discounts at national chains. We’ve got plenty here in Northeast Ohio, too. Savings on food, fun, travel, services and more abound for older adults. We’ve put together a local list of places that are free or have reduced prices or other benefits. Don’t be shy; it never hurts to ask about senior discounts.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
U.S. residents 62 and older can purchase a lifetime pass for admission to over 2,000 sites for $10. The pass admits the owner and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle to pay-per-car sites, or admits the owner and three adults (under 16 is always free). Passes can be purchased online (nps.gov) or at sites.
GET ENTERTAINED
Concerts, plays and sporting events at local high schools are often free for seniors. Come and watch these hard-working kids turn hours of practice into great performances. The Cleveland Institute of Music (cim.edu) also offers free concerts by students and faculty throughout the year.
Community and even some professional theaters such as Karamu House in Cleveland and Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland Heights offer ticket discounts for seniors.
Churches also sponsor free concerts. The Rocky River Presbyterian Church hosts an artist series, which during the holidays featured the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. Next up is variety show vocalist Logan Wells.
GET SMART(ER)
Ever want to learn a foreign language or create a masterpiece? Ohio’s four-year universities and two-year colleges allow residents 60 or older to audit classes at no cost depending on space availability (paying students get the first chance) and instructor approval.
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