You know you’re getting older when you start to notice little gray hairs…in your children’s hair. Those of us of a certain age seldom call ourselves “old.” We prefer words with a little more dignity: mature, senior, retiree, patriarch or, if you’re feeling especially grand, golden ager.
The truth is, being a senior has its perks. For instance, AARP members can shave 15 percent off a meal at a participating Denny’s.
And I’ve been told you can get 10 percent off your bill at a participating Chili’s without even flashing an AARP card. I haven’t tested these myself, but it never hurts to ask.
Then there are the savings on car insurance. Most companies offer a mature driver discount, especially if you’ve taken a DMV-approved defensive driving or mature driver improvement course.
The exact discount varies, of course, and usually depends on maintaining a clean driving record. The bottom line is to check with your insurer: you may be missing out on easy savings.
Now here’s the good news. You don’t have to go far to find one of those DMV-approved courses. On Oct. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Merced College will be hosting a free mature driver improvement course at the Los Banos Community Center, 645 Seventh St.
The class is designed for drivers 55 and older and could put a little more jingle in your pocket at insurance renewal time. For more information or to register, give Vikki Grijalva a call at 209-381-6419.
Being mature may come with gray hairs, but it also comes with savings. Take the course and enjoy the discounts.
The Los Banos Golden Age Club, Inc. is proud to be the largest club in Los Banos with more than 580 members—and still growing! In fact, it’s also the largest senior club in all of Merced County. We expect to pass 600 members before the year is over.
Membership is open to anyone aged 50 and older. If you’re 50, your spouse can join too—even if they haven’t quite hit that milestone—as long as your membership continues. The membership year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, and the cost is only $10 per year.
Here’s the best part: starting Sept. 26, new members can sign up and receive membership for the rest of 2025 andall of 2026—still for just $10!
You can sign up for membership Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the community center. All payments must be by check—no cash or credit cards accepted.
Membership includes: member pricing at our monthly dinners, eligibility for trips ranging from day outings to overnight adventures and monthly bingo games with all cash prizes, including a $50 blackout game.
If you enjoy traveling, then you’ll fit right in. We’ve organized trips to nearby casinos, San Francisco Giants games, Sacramento River lunch cruise, concerts at the Gallo Center, Roger Rocka’s shows, Yosemite and overnight excursions to Laughlin, Cambria and Hearst Castle.
Coming this October, members are heading out on a four-day, three-night trip to Reno for the annual Italian Festival!
Being a golden ager opens doors to fun, friendship and opportunities you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget—while not a Golden Age Club event, the Los Banos Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Salute to Seniors is coming on Sept. 26.
This one-day celebration is always a hit. From 9 to 11 a.m., the community center gym and courtyard will be filled with information booths, resources and giveaways geared toward seniors, all free to attend.
Though the luncheon and recognition ceremony have already sold out, everyone is welcome to enjoy the morning event.
Remember: growing older is mandatory, but growing up is optional. Stay healthy, stay mobile and stay safe!
