“Thank you, but I didn’t ask for a senior coffee”!

That is the thought that filtered through my head when I ordered a coffee and without asking, was given the senior price.

It has happened twice now. Both times at McDonald’s.

Once in person, when I was wearing my workout gear and a mask. It occurred first thing in the morning, so presumably, I’m looking pretty fresh and fly. In other words, the day hasn’t yet worn me down to my “senior” appearance.

ALL that was visible to the young lady behind the plexiglass taking my order were my eyes and my knee caps. And yet, she didn’t hesitate. $1.62, please. What? Not $2? I was taken aback.

I almost gave her the money back. “Ah Miss, you must be mistaken I am not a senior!”

The second time was even more disturbing. It took place in the take-out line. I ordered over the intercom, of course, she replied “that will be $2 please”. But when I arrived at the pay window, the young lady gave me a handful of change for my $5.00 bill.

Oh no, I thought. That feels like a lot more than $3. Sure enough. It WAS. Geez, Louise, it happened again!

One glance tells you I’m a senior?

So one glance at me in the driver’s seat was enough to determine I was a senior? Do Seniors have a way of driving up to the window? Do we drive slower than most? Do we struggle to pull out our change or our debit card? Do we take our time or look confused? Were the lines around my eyes visible from afar?

Or maybe I was just so darn polite? (“….oh gosh, she is so nice, she must be a senior!”…)

Yes, I was offended. Yes, it’s silly.

“Smile and take the discount” my senior colleague advised me when I got to the office.

My husband was patiently amused. It’s not that I don’t relish saving money. It’s just that I rail against anything that even sniffs of being a senior. “Take back your money and let me pay $2 for my large coffee,” I say to myself!

So what does McDonald’s classify as a Senior?

So I googled McDonald’s. Here is what I found:

This Seniors Discount program is new, and it is offered only at participating locations in Canada. If you’re 55 years or older, simply let the crew know that you would like to take advantage of this promotion and inquire if it’s available! Jan. 7, 2019.

In the days before I dyed my hair….

I could understand if I approached the window looking like this. Never mind that so many of us dye our hair in all kinds of colors nowadays and white is one of them. This is definitely a dead giveaway. Old, old, and old. This look is definitely a cause for a senior discount.

“Embrace it ~ take the discount whenever you can!

I visited a new friend of mine. She owns a lovely gift shop in my hometown. She is a very hip senior. Lovely, funny, and in the know. She will understand.

I told her my story. She told me to get over it. “Enjoy it!” “Grab every discount you can while you can!” Mmmm.

My first inclination is to do the opposite. Stuff the discount! But her attitude got me thinking.

One day soon I won’t be working full-time. I’ll be looking to grab every opportunity I can to save money. I might just as well start practicing now.

I’m going to begin my research into every senior discount available to me now. Maybe I’ll save enough to buy myself a coffee.

McDonald’s ~ here I come!

Be bold, be authentically you!

~ Donna