Guest Author - Janet Collins

Talk about grey power and the golden years.

A recent study issued by the Administration on Aging (an agency of US Department of Health and Human Services), found there is an aging population explosion in the US and many other countries around the world. According to the AoA, approximately 605 million people were 60 years or older in the year 2000. By 2050, that number is expected to reach nearly 2 billion, meaning that seniors will outnumber children 14 and under for the first time in history.

Just imagine all that buying power!

For many healthy seniors, travel has become a favourite pastime. In fact, seniors are among the most ardent travelers – they tend to have more time and more disposable income than other demographics. As with seniors discounts offered by various stores eager to attract some of that disposable income, many travel-related enterprises are also offering special deals to those 50 years and older. Problem: How does a senior find those (frequently) hidden deals?

Joan Rattner Heilman has produced one of the most comprehensive resources ever produced for frugal seniors.

Among other things, the 2007-2008 edition of Heilman’s “Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re Over 50” provides an exhaustive listing of airlines, hotels, and travel companies offering discounts to senior customers.

Educational and volunteer opportunities as well as organizations for mature travelers are also included. So is information on “gentleman host” opportunities – a chance for mature male dance lovers to hoof it on the high seas for a fraction of the regular cruise fare (for more on this, see my story “Get Paid to Play” under Cruises on the BellaOnline Senior Travel page). But Heilman’s book is more than a simple compendium of discounters.

Tips regarding car rental bargains, ways to make your dollar go farther in a number of countries (by purchasing museum passes, city sightseeing highlight passes, etc.), and other advice extends the value of this well-researched book. Information for solo travelers is another thoughtful addition.

For my money, Heilman’s info boxes on such topics as finding an English-speaking doctor in the country I’m about to visit BEFORE I travel overseas, are worth more than the $16.95 ($20.95 CDN, £19.99) cover price. And who knew that American Express offers up a reduced annual fee on a card specifically designed for people 62 years and over?

Information about shopping discounts, as well as banking, insurance, tax and legal service bargains make this book an excellent resource for those traveling close to home, too.

One note of caution: “senior” has many different interpretations. For some, it means anyone 50 years or older. For others, 65 is the magic number. Be sure to check if you qualify with any company or organization mentioned in this book – or any other company or organization offering a seniors discount.

Remember, conditions of many offers change over time. So it’s best to double check the facts before you buy.

“Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re Over 50: 2007-2008 Edition”. By Joan Rattner Heilman. McGraw-Hill. ISBN -13: 978-0-07-147747-5