When I was covering a story at a Catholic school years ago, a nun said to me, "Growing old is not for the fainthearted," as she made her way slowly up a flight of stairs. I smiled and told her to take her time, not realizing that in a few short years the "getting older" part would come to life.

One of the most shocking moments in a person's life is when that AARP membership card application comes in the mail, and it is addressed to you. Since membership begins at age 50, the application generally arrives when you are in your late 40s.

The other stunning moment is when you go to some area restaurants, and you see that the senior citizens discount applies to you.

There are so many changes as people grow older. While it varies for everyone, I find that staying up late is a challenge. It has been years since I have seen the ball drop on New Year's Eve, and despite my excitement and extreme fandom, I can never manage to finish an Eagles game when they are on Monday Night Football.

I'm not really keen on going out in the evening, either. When I was in my 20s, my best friend would pick me up to go out at about 10 p.m. on a Friday night. And we both had to be at work at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. Now on Friday nights at 10 p.m., it is pretty much a guarantee that I am already in my flannel pajamas.

While you never expected to hear these words come out of your mouth, you hear yourself saying things like, "When I was your age" or "Back in the day." Mature people can also share many stories of how things were better in the "old days."

Older people also experience their share of aches and pains, and they keep the manufacturers of reading glasses in business. I personally keep reading glasses in every room of the house, with several additional pairs in my purse and one in the glove compartment - just in case.

But, getting older is not all bad. People in the 55-plus community have lifelong friends and have gained wisdom and grace from a variety of experiences. We often know what is important and what is fleeting.

We also seem to care - a lot. We care about people, about causes and those we love, including our friends, our relatives and our pets. We appreciate everything and everyone just a little bit more. Plus, we have an ability to laugh at ourselves and our shortcomings.

Most important of all, with age comes the ability to appreciate moments. A special moment can be found in each day, whether it be listening to the birds sing, watching a mindless sitcom on TV, enjoying a hot cup of tea and a good book, walking the dogs along a scenic path or eating a freshly picked tomato from the garden.

The key is to accept getting older as just another phase of life and all that it promises. So along with gray hair, bad knees and an ability to be able to nap at any time of the day, it's best to remember the old adage, "Age is just a number."

And, for all of the young people reading this and snickering: Remember that it won't be long before that AARP membership card comes in the mail, and it will be addressed to you.