Deals and Discounts for Seniors in San Ramon

Admit it. You carried a Lone Ranger lunch pail to grammar school, and you were once the proud owner of a skate key. You're old enough to remember watching with anticipation as Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles for their debut performance on American television.

But, if you're like me, you're still a long way from shuffle board and the rocking chair on the porch.

This column will keep you informed about events and opportunities for active seniors in San Ramon. I'll cover a wide variety of topics in this space, including health and fitness, sports, housing, and volunteerism, all with a senior focus. I'll even offer a few ideas for things to do with the grandkids. I hope you'll check out the column regularly.

Today's column highlights senior deals and discounts for services around San Ramon.

Everybody loves to eat. So I visited a few restaurants in town and got the skinny on some great deals.

For a fresh, tasty lunch or dinner, stop by Erik's Delicafé across the parking lot from the movie theater. The deli shaves 10% off the tab for seniors. They serve hot soup, fresh salads, and--their specialty--"Sandwiches with Character." My husband and I love Erik's "Abbott's Habit," with roast beef, Swiss cheese and mushrooms, served hot. Delicious!

The Brass Door is a San Ramon landmark. In business since 1955, the restaurant's offerings include several senior meals. Now, before you get turned off by the label, we're not talking strained veggies and tapioca here. Prime rib, chicken piccata, and beef ravioli with Bolognese sauce are just a few of the meals priced specially for seniors. And, get this, senior meals include soup or salad and dessert! All that's extra with their regular menu items. With savings like that, you can afford a nice bottle of wine from their extensive wine list.

Some of the best kept secrets around are fast food restaurants' senior deals. McDonald's serves a senior cup of coffee for 64 cents. A small soda is free for seniors at Taco Bell, and just 54 cents at Burger King. These discounts are available only on request, so don't forget to ask before you order!

After all that food, we could all use a little exercise.

If you're fitness conscious, or just want to firm up and slim down for your upcoming high school reunion, check out 24 Hour Fitness. I spoke with Michelle, who told me they waive the initiation fee for seniors.

And ladies, Kathy's Health Club offers a reduced monthly fee for seniors. The gym's equipment and training programs are designed especially for women. Personal trainers are skilled in working with clients who have age-related medical issues. Manager Ellen Ensley told me that one of their trainers helped a client learn to walk after a stroke. Another bonus: no need to sign your life away at Kathy's.  Contracts are month-to-month, with only a two-month commitment.

After all that exercising, surely your'e ready for a relaxing spa treatment. Check out Indulgence Salon. They offer a 15% senior discount for all services.

Elegant Image Salon offers a 20% senior discount on Mondays and Tuesdays for all services.

Senior discounts are often not advertised, and minimum age requirements vary from business to business. So be sure to ask about them up front.

Finally, don't count out the Alcosta Senior & Community Center Park & Gardens The recently expanded center includes a 100-seat banquet room, beautiful gardens, and even a bocce ball court. Yoga, aerobics, Wii games, and table tennis are just a few of the wide variety of low cost classes available at the Senior Center. In addition, you can have lunch there Tuesday through Friday for a couple of bucks. The minimum age requirement of 55 for most activities and events here is considerably lower than for many other businesses. 

So maybe it's not so bad after all to have a few extra candles on your birthday cake.  Just keep the fire extinguisher handy.