Seniority counts: The perks of turning 60
They say age is just a number, and for many Filipinos hitting their 60s, that number comes with a host of privileges. In the Philippines, turning 60 does not just mark a milestone. It opens the door to discounts, exemptions, and small luxuries that make everyday living a little easier and more enjoyable.
When IDs become golden tickets
It is always a pleasant surprise when friends who hardly look their age pull out their senior citizen IDs at restaurants. With one swipe, the bill is trimmed by 20 percent. Who would not smile at saving a few hundred pesos? No wonder some younger friends quip, “I cannot wait until I am 60!”
With today’s skincare breakthroughs, healthy lifestyles, and trusted dermatologists, many in their 60s look decades younger. And yet, they also enjoy the privileges that come with their card. A winning combination of youthfulness and benefits.
How it feels to join the circle
Ask seniors how they feel about reaching this stage, and the answers are anything but dull.
Designer Lulu Tan Gan, who recently turned 70, jokes: “Boohoo, I turned 70! I feel 17. The only difference is I no longer wear a micro-mini skirt!”
Recent birthday girl Ellen Hari-Ong shares a more sentimental take: “It feels amazing! I am grateful for all the blessings, and I look forward and excited for the many good years ahead!”
Entrepreneur Rhoda Campos Aldanese adds with confidence: “60 is the new 40. Thanks to regular exercise, I feel great.”
Jeweler Catherine Villacorta Tan joins in with a smile: “It felt exactly the same as when I turned 30. The only difference is, I am more fun now.”
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Vicki Belo offers a heartfelt reflection: “At first, I was depressed because it sounded so old. Then, I became so grateful that our Lord has given bonus years after having stage three cancer at 58 years old.”
These voices reflect a truth. Growing older no longer carries the stigma it once did. Instead, it is a season to embrace, complete with its own rewards.
The other side of aging
Of course, turning senior has its downs, too. Wanting to sleep earlier, a few aching bones, and a regular trip to the salon to get that white hair out of the way are all part of the package. These little reminders may come with age, but they are also part of life’s natural rhythm.
The everyday perks
The list of senior citizen benefits in the Philippines is long and thoughtful. Some of the most popular ones include:
• Twenty percent discounts on dining, medicines, fares, and services
• Exemption from number coding rules when the senior is inside the vehicle
• Free movies once a week, a favorite pastime
• Priority lanes and queue privileges, a small but satisfying courtesy
• Tax exemptions and healthcare benefits, designed to provide comfort and security
Perks you might not know about
Beyond the widely-known discounts, seniors are also entitled to:
• Five percent off monthly water and electricity bills, provided that usage stays within limits
• Social safety assistance such as food, medicine, and even house repair support during calamities
• Financial aid of at least P2,000 for the surviving relative who cared for the senior
• Education incentives, from scholarships to grants, for those who wish to continue learning
A culture of care
Few countries extend such a wide array of benefits to their senior citizens. It speaks volumes about how Filipinos value family and the elderly. These perks are more than conveniences. They are society’s way of saying thank you to those who have given much through the years.
As for the rest of us still on the way there, at 53, I continue to pay in full, get stuck in traffic coding, and line up like everyone else. But perhaps that makes the anticipation sweeter.
After all, reaching 60 is not just about getting older. It is about stepping into a new chapter where seniority truly counts.
