15 freebies and discounts, over-60s can claim even if you're not retired yet

The Sun

10-07-2025

Own your age and save cash in multiple areas of everyday life
HAPPY DAYS 15 freebies and discounts, over-60s can claim even if you're not retired yet
YOU are only as old as you feel, but when you hit 60 there are financial benefits to owning your new age.
Many companies give discounts to older customers to encourage them to spend, although they are not always well advertised.
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Many companies give discounts to older customers to encourage them to spend
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Some of the most valuable start when you hit 60, while there are many more that kick in at 65 or state pension age — now 66.
We've rounded up some of the best discounts.
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One of the best free things for over-60s is a free bus pass
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Travel
Free travel passes: One of the best free things of being 60 or older is that you can get free bus passes in the UK.
The rules around free bus passes for older people have changed in recent years.
But you can currently claim a free bus pass in England when you reach the state pension age, which is 66, regardless of gender giving you free local bus travel anywhere in the country.
Residents in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland can get the free older person's buss pass from the age of 60.
When it comes to London, whether you live inside or outside the capital, you can get the Freedom Pass.
This allows you to travel for free on the bus, tram, DLR and most rail services.
For London residents, the 60+ Oyster Card means you can ride the capital's public transport for free.
Scotland offers free travel on national bus services and free rail travel in some areas via a National Entitlement Card too.
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And people over 60 in Wales can benefit from free bus travel with a Concessionary Travel pass which also allows for some free rail travel.
Free rail travel includes routes Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea, or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
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Older people can visit a number of museums and art galleries for free
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Days out
Free activities: The UK is home to some of the world's best museums and art galleries and older people can visit a number of them for free.
This includes the Natural History Museum, National Art Gallery and V&A Museum of Childhood in London.
In Scotland, you can see the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or National Museum of Scotland free of charge.
And if you're in Cardiff or Coventry, you'll be able to get into St Fagans National History Museum and Coventry Transport Museum respectively.
But if you're more of an outdoors fan, you can visit the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh or the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield.
And if you love sports and fancy a day out with your family, you can go to the National Football Museum in Manchester or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
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Over 60s can enjoy discounted meals
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Eating out
Free meals out: Many restaurants and pubs offer smaller portions and cheaper menus for over-60s.
If you frequently dine out, you may want to consider getting a Tastecard.
While not exclusive to seniors, it offers up to a 50% discount on food or two-for-one meals at over 6,000 UK restaurants.
You can sign up for a 90-day free trial for just £1, or get an annual membership for £34.99.
If you're doing a trial, remember to cancel before the time period is up or you'll be charged.
Independent pubs and country dining houses also regularly feature pensioner lunches on specific days, afternoon teas or a two-for-one deal.
Asda also extends a special offer to over-60s with customers in this age group able to purchase soup and a bread roll for just £1.
You'll also be treated to unlimited tea and coffee for free at any of Asda's 205 cafes.
Waitrose also has a hot drink offer for members of their myWaitrose loyalty scheme too, which is free to join.
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It's important to stay fit and active as you get older
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Health and fitness
Free prescriptions: It's important you continue to stay fit and look after your health as you get older and many free services are available to over-60s in the UK.
If you are over 60, any medicine prescribed by your doctor is free anywhere in the UK.
You may need to bring identification though to prove your age and you'll need to tell your chemist at the till.
Free eye tests: Over-60s are also entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test every two years and the likes of Specsavers also offer free eye tests.
Free dental care: Depending on what benefits you are receiving, you could also be entitled to free NHS dental care.
If you're based in Wales, you can get free dental examinations but any subsequent treatment will have a charge.
And in Scotland, you'll be able to access free NHS dental examinations with treatment completely free for some patients.
Free hearing check: It's also recommended that you get a hearing check every two years with hearing impairment affecting one in six people in the UK.
If you're over 50, you can book a free hearing test and ear check at Boots and Specsavers also offer everyone a free hearing test too, regardless of age.
Free health checks: The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health.
If you're aged between 40 and 74 and do not have a pre-existing health conditions, you should be invited to one every five years by your local GP.
Free swim and gym sessions: It's also important to stay fit and active, and if you're a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, you don't even have to leave your home to try a fitness class.
You could try Joe Wicks' The Body Coach, Sophie Dear Yoga or The Girl with the Pilates mat with Rachel Lawrence online.
And in some areas across the UK, you can access free swimming and gym classes if you're over 60 too.
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You can get a 10% discount on Tuesdays at a major supermarket
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Shopping
10% off in Iceland: Iceland offers exclusive discounts for over-60s.
Customers in this age group can enjoy a 10% discount on their shopping with no minimum spend requirement on a Tuesday.
The discount is also applicable to The Food Warehouse branches.
B&Q also provides enticing deals every Wednesday with a range of discounts available with their Diamond B&Q club.
And ATS Euromaster caters to the motor needs of over-60s through its Club 60 program.
You can get free year-round discounts on car-related services such as MOTs, air con recharges, wheel alignment and 15 per cent off on servicing.
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You could be entitled to a free TV licence
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Free items for the home
Free TV licence: You can get various TV licence discounts and concessions with eligibility depending on individual circumstances.
If you're over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you can even get a free TV licence that covers both yourself and anyone you live with, regardless of their age.
For those who are blind or have a severe sight impairment, you could be entitled to a 50% discount too.
If you're residing in a care home or sheltered housing, there's also the option of an Accommodation for Residential Care licence for £7.50.
Free energy payment: If you're born on or before 22 September 1959, you can get between £100 and £300 to help pay for your heating bills this winter.
Discounted vet expenses: Dogs Trust provide a 50% discount with their subscription that amounts to just £12.50 a year.
This can entitle you to 24-hour emergency advice, third-party public liability insurance for your dog and more.
Free payment for grandparents: If you're among the 63% of grandparents providing care for your grandchildren, you could qualify for additional tax credits amounting to £330 each year.
It can even be retroactively applied as far back as 2011.
Free handyman service: Several councils offer a handyman service for over-60s that can cover minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs or other small DIY jobs.