Senior Life: Technology taking over and taking advantage of discounts
- Sally Kelly
The recent issue of AARP magazine has a whole article on modern technology. It describes the newest phones and how various parts of our lives can be affected by modern technology … from exercising to shopping, staying in touch with grandchildren, paying bills, and even driving your car without your keys.
In 2024, technology has, or can, take over about every aspect of our daily lives. But do you remember when it all started?
I remember back in the ’50s when we were warned not to sit too close to the TV — the black and white set — because it could harm us. Our parents were warned not to use the TV as a baby sitter.
Watching too much TV should be the least of our concerns today. Look around and see what, in 2024, we are watching all day long … our phones.
Last weekend, we had the opportunity to spend some time with our great-grandchildren. Autumn, a seven-month-old baby girl, had a toy rubber cell phone she was chewing on (she is cutting teeth obviously), and periodically she would put it up in front of her as if she were watching a game … just like her older siblings do! As she grows older, hopefully this is not the beginning of her becoming more concerned about what is on the “game box” rather than what is happening in real life around her.
With winter approaching and higher heating bills, do not forget about the Home Energy Assistance programs that are available from the Portage County Community Action Council (West Main Street in Ravenna).
If your yearly income is less than $25,700 for a one-person household or $34,800 for a two-person household, you may be eligible for the HEAP program. This is a federally-funded program designed to help low-income individuals meet the high costs of home heating.
You will need to make an appointment with their staff to qualify for the assistance. And do not forget to take proof of income, Social Security numbers for all members of the household and copies of heating bills.
The cost of living in Portage County has not gone down in the past year, and if you own your own home, you know it has gone up. I thought it might be time to remind us of some of the discounts that are out there for us.
Fast-food restaurants do offer discounts on food purchases, but you have to ask. A&W, Arbys, Dunkin’, Hardee’s and KFC all offer a 10% discount on a food purchase, while Dairy Queen, Sonic and Subway will give a 10% discount or a free small drink.
Wendy’s, McDonalds and Burger King all offer senior discounts, but you have to ask for them at the time of order.
Merchandise stores like Kohl’s, Gabes, Goodwill, Michaels and Walgreens all have designated days of the month when they offer discounts on purchases. Check with each of your stores as to what days are “Senior” days. It is worth checking because Kohls offers a 15% discount, Walgreens a $20% discount (on some items), and Goodwill offers a 20% discount.
Some of these discounts start at the age of 55, some at 60. Do not be embarrassed to ask for this benefit. Best Cuts also offers senior discounts, but you have to ask. The beautician told me she would not automatically give the discount because she did not want to embarrass someone by saying they “looked old.”
All of these will save you a few pennies, but remember they all add up, and we deserve it!
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or sentrip65@yahoo.com.
Sally Kelly