People over 50 lose thousands of rands each year because they don’t make use of the discounts to which they are entitled. Many people are unecessarily sensitive to be called pensioners because they believe it could stigmatise them as being “down the drain”.
“People over 50 have contributed for more than half a century to the economy and society. They are now entitled to special benefits,” says Arnold van der Linde, the Managing Director of IntegriSure.
Society offers an abundance of special offers to elderly people – for instance, special movie and theatre days for pensioners and special rates at certain golf clubs as well as holiday resorts, nature reserves and other tourist attractions. People over 50 should never hesitate to ask and insist on special rates.
Even some retailers allow a small discount to pensioners.
In the world of insurance, too, benefits are extended to elderly people. IntegriSure, for instance, specializes in the over 50 market because senior citizens care for their property more responsibly and generally have more austere lifestyles. “We reward that with favourable premiums and support systems. For example, we refuse to let the elderly pay for the unnecessary claims and irresponsible lifestyles of others,” Van der Linde says.
The state also offers benefits. People over 65 should keep proof of all their medical expenses as there is no limit on what they could claim from the Receiver in terms of medical costs.