Q: I'm looking forward to planning my first real vacation in 12 years. I've been out of town to visit friends and family but haven't gone anywhere just to enjoy the sights.
There are a lot of places I've always wanted to go but never had the time — which makes it hard to decide where to go!
Do you have any suggestions for planning a trip?
A: When planning a trip as a senior, aim to reduce the inconveniences. Cutting down on the tiresome aspects will give you more energy to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Travel in the off-season to popular destinations, especially in the summer. You are blessed with having a more open schedule than those who are working or have young children, so take advantage of your time.
Cruises are popular with seniors for several reasons, especially the convenience and reliability. If you want to get a feel for several different places at once, a cruise might be the right option for you. Tropical ocean cruises may be the most popular, but a river cruise is another option. There are several popular ones in Europe.
Learn a few phrases in the local language if English isn't widely spoken there. Basics such as "sorry," "thank you" and "where is X?" help a lot. You can also buy a hand-held electronic translator for easy communication.
If you decide to visit a city, don't bother renting a car for short distances.
It's often easier to catch a ride-sharing service or taxi. Driving in an unfamiliar city — with potentially different traffic laws — can be a problem, especially as your reaction times are slowing over time. You may have so much trouble navigating that you get into an accident.
If you feel yourself getting tired of walking, give yourself a break! Sit in a cafe or a park and enjoy the foreign air. A little flexibility goes a long way.
Getting recommendations from locals is often a good idea, but remember that larger hotels may get kickbacks for recommending certain establishments. Think about making conversation with a stranger (using your best judgment).
Most of all, commit to enjoying yourself! If you bring a positive attitude, you're more likely to have a good time wherever you go. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter
CLEAN LIVING
Q: My very elderly mother-in-law came to live with us in the last few months after we realized that she couldn't take care of herself any longer.
She is a lovely woman, but she isn't able to handle her own hygiene. As a result, it's getting harder for us to keep our home clean — and sanitary.
My wife and I love her, but it's hard to enjoy the impact on our lives.
Is there a good solution?
A: Tread lightly. This is an awkward situation, and a little kindness will make all the difference.
If you have any practical suggestions, such as incontinence wear or changing habits, allow your wife to handle delivering the message. Even if your mother-in-law is very elderly, it's best to avoid embarrassing her whenever possible.
You may one day be in her shoes. Past a certain age, we lose some bodily faculties and it becomes the new norm. Empathy can help you deal.
On a practical level, you may want to consider in-home assistance. Hiring a cleaning service or a part-time nurse may be a huge help. — Doug
Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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