My mom knew it was going to happen on March 12, 1959 ... despite her limited math skills.

On some level, I probably also knew it was going to happen.

I tried everything to prevent it: Exercised more, ate slightly better and tried to cut down on stress over the last few months.

But I couldn’t fend it off.

On March 12, 2024, I turned 65 years old.

Some birthdays are obviously bigger than others.

Teens eyeball 16 so they can drive. I didn’t really care about driving in high school so 16 was no biggie for me. ... Plus I’m cheap, so even though gas was relatively inexpensive back then, I really didn’t want to buy it.

And then there is 21. I had already spent almost three years in a state where the legal drinking age was 18, so 21 was just another number to me.

And then I just whisked though life, hitting 30, 40, 50, 55 and then 60, with 62 being the only one that semi-excited me because I became eligible for the lifetime National Park Senior Pass (80 bucks if you’re approaching that age).

Only a few of those other birthdays had real significance because I was running road races, meaning I was now the youngest in my age group. But that was just a bonus, not a reason to get excited.

But March 12, 2024 - and March 1, 2024 - were two important dates, one could say life changing to a certain extent, especially when it comes to my wallet.

The first was March 1, when I became officially eligible for Medicare ... a sense of relief that no matter what happens going forward, I will have some type of healthcare coverage. I’m still working, so I just enrolled in Part A - I’ll navigate the add-ons when I do stop working.

And then March 12 rolled around. The Big One.

It opened up a whole treasure trove of opportunities to save money, which as a journalist is the second most important thing after half-priced drinks at happy hour.

I am in the process of getting my free SEPTA senior citizen pass and now have instilled into my thought process “do I qualify for a senior discount” for everything I do.

I got a bunch of birthday wishes - family, friends and businesses.

Pencor - the parent company of the Times News - sent me a card and my dermatologist was one of several businesses that emailed me in the morning, wishing me a happy birthday.

I went for a long walk after I finished work and then was treated to a wonderful dinner at an Asian fusion restaurant by my significant other, with my daughter joining us.

Just before my meal came, I excused myself to go to the bathroom and while heading there, I checked my emails for more birthday wishes.

My dermatologist had emailed me again. Hmmm?

I opened to find a bill - insurance had only covered part of my last visit, not covering the process of burning off some pre-cancerous cells.

And just like that, the euphoria of turning 65 was slightly tarnished.

But the meal and company were wonderful, so turning 65 certainly has more benefits than pitfalls.

And now the countdown begins to March 12, 2029.