Gecko Towers
Let’s face it, there are not many advantages to getting older, but having hit a milestone, I thought I’d explore just what is available for me and my fellow Silver Surfers in the Marbella region of the Costa del Sol.
Bursting through various chronological challenges, for that is all age really is, and after taking care of our physical selves through manageable exercise, regular health checkups and sensible eating…and drinking…you may be ready for the question, “What’s next!”
There are, I must admit, multiple diversions to challenge, entertain and occupy your days on the Costa del Sol. Joining gyms, padel tennis clubs and improving your golf swing will call heavily on your time.
Padel tennis…oh you haven’t yet tried? The first padel court in Spain was erected many years ago by an Argentinian at the Marbella Club Hotel as there was insufficient space for a regular tennis court. Kind of the offspring of short tennis, crossed with Real Tennis, on a glass or concrete walled court that’s bigger than a squash court. Completely thrilling for all ages and abilities. Also, mark my words, completely addictive. It’s now benefiting from several world tour championships with decent prize money. Whether you are 15 or 75 + and have any level of ability with eye to hand coordination, this will be your new go to sport. There are several smashing clubs up and down the Costa del Sol with a great community spirit – Nueva Alcantara, Bel Air, Guadalmina – something for you to Google.
Living in the Marbella region, the nadir of an exceptional environment, climate, clean air and State of the Art sports facilities, it does begat a question as to what more is to be explored. Exploring Spain in search of new experiences, near and further from home, is one route. For those with a greater wanderlust for day, week or month long trips away from the Marbella region exploring more deeply what Spain has to offer by way of a plethora of variety, culture and history just got easier on the pocket.
The first little triumph for us over 60 year olds is Renfe’s (sort of the British Rail of Spain) Targeta Dorada (Gold Card). For those, 60 and over, of any nationality you can buy a Renfe Tarjeta Dorada at any Renfe train station to enjoy discounts on nationwide rail travel of up to 40%. The higher discounted rate tends to be at weekends which could be perfect. Present your passport, as a proof of age and for €6 you’ll get the card. This is annually subscribed for and once got can be renewed online at the following link.
https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/descuentos/mayores-de-60.html
For those 65 and over there’s another card called the “Andalucia Junta 65 Card” (Targeta Andalucia Junta Sesenta y Cinco). This card is free and valid for five years and is available to all EU citizen and those from the UK, resident in Andalucia. There are two levels of card, the green and gold versions. For the latter you will need to demonstrate that your earnings are below a Government means test. More simply the green card will give you the following entitlements – each element is followed by my basic translation.
- Servicio Andaluz de Teleasistencia: Solicita la Teleasistencia con tu tarjeta para disfrutar de mayor tranquilidad en tu domicilio. (Andalusian Telecare Service: Request Telecare with your card to enjoy greater peace of mind at your home.)
- Transporte interurbano: Tu billete a la mitad de precio en los viajes interurbanos que realice en autobús por Andalucía. (Intercity transport: Your half-price ticket on intercity bus trips in Andalusia.)
- Agencias de Viajes: Estancias en hoteles, circuitos nacionales e internacionales,… consigue un descuento en tus vacaciones gracias a las agencias que colaboran. (Travel Agencies: Stays in hotels, national and international travels,… get a discount on your vacation thanks to the agencies that collaborate.)
- Hoteles y alojamientos rurales: Disfruta de tarifas especiales en tus estancias y conoce la naturaleza de los pueblos de interior.(Hotels and rural accommodation: Enjoy special rates on your stays and get to know the nature of the inland towns.)
- Albergues de Inturjoven: Estos albergues se localizan en los mayores puntos de interés de Andalucía: capitales de provincia, espacios naturales de interior y de la costa. (Inturjoven Hostels: These hostels are located in the major points of interest in Andalusia: provincial capitals, inland and coastal natural spaces.)
- Cine, teatro y espectáculos: Interesantes descuentos al comprar tu entrada de cine en salas de cine de toda Andalucía; espectáculos y obras de teatro, clases de teatro…(Cinema, theater and shows: Interesting discounts when purchasing your movie ticket in movie theaters throughout Andalusia; shows and plays, theater classes…)
- Museos, recintos monumentales: Toda la cultura de nuestra tierra a tu alcance con grandes descuentos en museos y recintos monumentales. (Museums, monumental venues: All the culture of our land at your fingertips with great discounts in museums and monumental venues.)
- Parques Temáticos: Visita los parques temáticos andaluces con interesantes descuentos. (Theme Parks: Visit the Andalusian theme parks with interesting discounts.)
- Eventos deportivos: Infórmate de los descuentos que puedes obtener en encuentros deportivos de los equipos andaluces de fútbol y baloncesto, espectáculos municipales, etc (Sports events: Find out about the discounts you can get on sports events of the Andalusian football and basketball teams, municipal shows, etc.)
- Formación, prensa y revistas: Música, bailes de salón, teatro… fórmate para activar cuerpo y mente. Descuentos en la suscripción a prensa y revistas (Training, press and magazines: Music, ballroom dancing, theatre… train yourself to activate body and mind. Discounts on subscriptions to press and magazines.)
- Supermercados, motor, automóvil: Llena de descuentos tu cesta de la compra, renueva tu hogar y tu vehículo con las ofertas a titulares que te ofrecen comercios y supermercados. (Supermarkets, motor, automobile: Fill your shopping basket with discounts, renew your home and your vehicle with the headline offers offered by shops and supermarkets.)
- Peluquería y Estética: Ofertas en productos y servicios de peluquería de caballero y señora, tratamientos de estética, etc. (Hairdressing and Aesthetics: Offers on men’s and women’s hairdressing products and services, aesthetic treatments, etc.)
- Productos para personas mayores: Productos concebidos para facilitar la realización de las actividades diarias y aumentar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores y de sus familiares.(Products for older people: Products designed to facilitate the performance of daily activities and increase the quality of life of older people and their families.)
- Balnearios y centros de fisioterapia: Elije el tratamiento más adecuado para relajarte en cuerpo y mente. Baños árabes, quiromasaje, aromaterapia, tratamientos hidrotermales…(Spas and physiotherapy centers: Choose the most appropriate treatment to relax your body and mind. Arab baths, chiromassage, aromatherapy, hydrothermal treatments…)
- Dentistas: Tratamientos de cirugía bucal, empastes, implantes, prótesis estética facial, periodoncia y endodoncia,…(Dentists: Oral surgery treatments, fillings, implants, facial aesthetic prosthesis, periodontics and endodontics,…)
- Adecuación funcional de su vivienda: Solicitar una subvención para la adecuación funcional de su vivienda. (Functional adaptation of your home: Request a subsidy for the functional adaptation of your home.)
- Otros servicios: Servicios de limpieza, colada y plancha, seguridad…(Other services: Cleaning, laundry and ironing services, security…)
I think you’ll agree there is something there for everyone and the 65 Card is free!
Annually, a Guia de Descuentos (Discounts Guide) setting our the full benefits to holders of the 65 Card is published. Click here for the 2023 version in Spanish https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agenciadeserviciossocialesydependencia/images/publicaciones/taj65/guiataj65.pdf
To get your 65 Card – which is not currently available online – you will need to pick up the application at the Territorial Delegations of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality, or download it from here https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agenciadeserviciossocialesydependencia/images/solicitudes/solicitudTAJ65.pdf print it out, complete it and send it by mail to the following address: Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality. Post Office Box 1130. 41080 Seville.
I have been told that a helpline relating to Card 65 enquiries, that may be answered in English is available Monday to Friday on (+34) 900 200 165.
The weekly shopping bill, for many, carries a high price tag. Two chains of supermarkets, which, if you don’t know them already will become increasingly familiar to you as you settle in the Marbella region, are Mercadona and Carrefour. Both companies have given some though to the needs of older customers. I understand that certainly Carrefour now offers, those over 65, a card enabling them to reduce to zero the IVA (local VAT) charged on fresh produce that includes meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Visiting the Customer Services counter at a major store with your passport and address details should suffice to be enable you to receive your free card.
For many of us getting to and from Spain by plane is expensive. Historically, many of the now regular airlines used to offer discounts to, particularly, pensioners. Our research shows some interesting data, which we are yet to fully test drive, but it appears only United Airlines, and only on some routes, offers a seniors discount. Our investigations continue as to whether one such route is that between Newark (New York) and Malaga which restarts from 2nd May 2024.
We are aware that seat pricing is a critical issue in the airline market, but I have never really understood why a business like Easyjet has not done more to support its regular flyers. We, like a lot of regular passengers, take many flights to the same destinations, several times annually. Our favourite frequent carrier happens to be EasyJet and has been for over twenty years, yet they have not seen such loyalty as an incentive to provide discounted fares or other benefits.
While the landscape is changing there would still seem to be alot left to do in order to ensure that loyal clientele is properly rewarded. What is clear is that the local Spanish organs of government and Spanish businesses are making inroads into providing incentives for nationals and newcomers alike to ensure that income, pensions and annuities can be stretched as far as possible.
Along with the many benefits of life in the Marbella region, age can clearly be something that can be used to your benefit and long may that be the case.
We are not estate agents, but we know some hard-working and reputable ones, if needed.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, or e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
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Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as the writer or the publisher providing legal, tax or financial advice.
All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2023. All rights reserved.