Although they are called the golden years, many senior citizens in Bay Minette hardly have the cash the misnomer implies.

Seniors like Carolyn Dawson live on a fixed income and have medical bills stacked to the roof.

She spends more than $1,000 a month on medical insurance for her and her husband — and she’s got a daughter in college.

So, penny pinching isn’t an option — it’s a necessity.

“With gas going up so much, it’s hard deciding whether or not to go out and eat,” Dawson said.

In an effort to help out, several restaurants around town offer breaks to senior citizens, mainly cheaper buffets and drinks.

Dragon Garden, Frazier’s, Mary’s Restaurant, Stagecoach Cafe and Street’s Seafood Restaurant are local restaurants that take off a small slice of the buffet price for seniors. Street’s even does free deliveries for seniors. Churches Chicken, McDonald’s and Taco Bell are fast food restaurants that offer cheaper drinks as well. The minimum age for the discount ranges from 50 to 55.

“It’s just a common courtesy,” said Frazier Martin, owner of Frazier’s.

Debra Hadley, a server at Mary’s Restaurant, doesn’t even like to ask whether or not a senior is over 60 and rates their discount.

“It’s rude to ask how old they are. They deserve a break,” she said.

Although the price cuts only range from 50-cents to a dollar, every little bit of help is appreciated.

“As far as my husband and I, it helps, but not a whole lot,” said Delores Bert, director of Senior Adult Independent Living. “It’s usually about as much as the tax but every dollar counts.”

Ann Fisher considers herself “lucky” but her deceased husband retired as a gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps. So, she doesn’t have to pay for her medical bills, and she still takes advantage of Frazier’s discount almost daily.

“It’s much easier to go out than to cook at home, as long as the money holds out,” she said. “But it’d be better if the discounts were even more.”

If the seniors’ budgets are even more strapped, they can get a hot meal at the SAIL center here for only $1.25. Or if they want to take a trip to North Baldwin Infirmary they can gorge themselves for $4.

As for Dawson, she doesn’t let her lack of funds ruin the fun. She is queen of Red Hattitude, a local club with only one stipulation: Members must dress up in a purple dress and a red hat for their monthly meeting at a local restaurant, usually one with a discount.

“We’re just a bunch of sassy, old broads,” she said. “And whoever wears the most do-dahs gets bragging rights for that meeting.”