So, are there any benefits to look forward to when I turn 50?

realshannon

it has been mentioned on this website before but you can register for Senior Discounts, its free and they send you all sorts of offers and stuff, discounts etc, maybe something on there that you like etc - have a lovely birthday whenever it is

cepheus

In case it hasn't been mentioned,

Some banks and insurance companies offer special accounts and products for the over-50 age group (not just Saga)

I also understand that being 50+ is one of the qualification criteria for working tax credit.

Working Tax Credit if you are over 50 and have recently started work

If you are over 50, have recently started work for 16 hours or more a week and were getting certain benefits when you took your job, you can get Working Tax Credit. So, if you were previously getting Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, state Retirement Pension paid with Pension Credit, or certain training allowances, you may be able to get Working Tax Credit when you start work. You must usually have been getting these benefits for at least six months. If you were not entitled to benefits, but you were getting national insurance credits, you may also be able to get Working Tax Credit. In some cases you can get Working Tax Credit because someone else was getting benefit which included an amount for you.

If you are aged 50 or over and you are not sure whether you qualify for Working Tax Credit because you have recently started work, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/benefits/benefits_and_tax_credits_for_people_in_work.htm

surfsister

benefits of being over 50 must be the self confidence to wear purple trousers with a yellow blouse, to never ever straighten the hair, to be able to go to bed at 3 in the afternoon and get up at 11 am if you feel like it; basically a self confidence to do as you please and in some cases the economic means to do so too. This poem (part of it) by Jenny Joseph sums it up perfectly.

[FONT=verdana,]When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]and run my stick along the public railings[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]and make up for the sobriety of my youth.[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]I shall go out in my slippers in the rain [/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,]and pick the flowers in other people's gardens[/FONT]

As for the discounts etc just the ability to bother to look for discounts and the help of friends on here who highlight them helps greatly. I think 60 may be the time that more discounts kick in so hey we're all still young!!

graspthenettle

goldtop wrote: »

You can get a diamond club card go to diamondclubcard.co.uk which gives discounts at specific pubs/restaurants. Its free to apply for and you get a list of the participating establishments. Not used mine yet but have it just in case i'm ever near one. :beer:

I found that out the other day too

I turned 50 in April and Hubby is 52 but it was still a shock to qualify for an age related discount, lol.

Still, we got our carvery for £7.50 instead of £8.25 PLUS we got free dessert!

I've been told that there is a beauty salon in Romford - WAGS - that offer discounts for the over 50s, so as soon as I get up the nerve I will be going to investigate.

hazelc56

I was looking forward to getting some respect when i turned 50....I am now 55 and still waiting on it.I think folk think i am younger than i really am or at least thats what i tell myself.I do however save energy on cooking, cleaning and doing stuff for 2 these days so i suppose i mustnt grumble.

John_Pierpoint

UnderPressure wrote: »

arthiritus, bad back, bad knee's, dodgy eyesight, dodgy hearing, moaning and groaning about "the youth of today!", incontinence mmm mmmm I could probably think of more but don't want to depress you any further

Can I add sciatica?
I did not really know what it was until I got an attack aged 60.
It was probably triggered off by heaving a spare tyre in and out of the boot and aggravated by a driving position without enough lumbar support.
I would not wish it on anyone - had to spend one Xmas dinner lying on my back on the floor!

The anti-inflammatory drugs offered by the GP had a list of nasty side effects that would put anyone off and they seemed to be completely ineffective.

Eventually managed to see it off with physiotherapy (local NHS clinic) and The British School of Osteopathy (£10 an hour) in Borough (south of London Bridge).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica

That was a wake-up call.

Fishingtime

you can start to pay for the over 50s funeral plan and you get a free parker pen just for enquiring :j

nearlyrich

expatasia wrote: »

Hi

Can't imagine what a 50th birthday party must be like - anyone experienced one?

Mind you here in Japan many ppl live til 100 so only half way through their life, no big deal :cool:

Had I read this post on the day it was written I could have invited you to mine later that night.

It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all:D

LittleVoice

pineapple wrote: »

I have seen some dispute about the number of cancers that mammograms catch - also the NHS leaflet admits they actually cause some. Radiation can be cumulative and we have an increasing amount in our atmosphere so I am not adding to the load. Ask yourself why the rise in cancer cases? It's not all down to better diagnosis and living longer.
Read this.
http://www.naturalnews.com/010886.html

Can you quote the wording in the leaflet and the leaflet reference code, please?

offsailing2

I believe mammograms save lives. I went repeatedly to my GP with concerns. I was 39 and was told I was too young for breast cancer and didn't need a mammogram. Instead I was offered antibiotics and later valium for my increased anxiety. I paid for a mammogram and I had cancer. However, although I required a mastectomy, here I am 24 years later, enjoying life more than I ever did before. So, when offered, please have one, that's my advice.j