Q: This past week, I've suddenly awakened to the fact that my 75th birthday is this month. How did that happen so quickly?

Luckily, I've enjoyed good health and wealth for all these years. My kids and grandchildren are thriving, too, but I mostly keep in touch with them via my checkbook! They're appreciative, and I'm glad to be able to help them.

Now I want to focus more on my future. I've always been a go-getter, but I've been enjoying life less and less. Food isn't quite as tasty. I move more slowly. And I feel less alert. I'm still thinking about the loss of my husband and our wonderful marriage, but I've mostly come to terms with it.

What are some successful ways to deal with this time of my life?

A: There's a question you need to ask yourself: "What do I want to do with the rest of my life?"

We seniors become lonelier and lonelier as we start to lose friends and family members to disease and other events. Many of us have lost the habit of starting new things, and instead we focus on people and experiences that are no longer available to us. We become more impatient, and have fixed attitudes and behaviors, and our health begins to decline.

I think you're beginning to consider whether you are content with your life. Are you satisfied, or do you feel there's something that you must still do in your life? Are you pleased with your accomplishments, or is there something left unfinished?

You're the only one making that decision, but it can be difficult to know what to do. Accepting your life as "well-done" can bring peace and contentment, but nobody is perfect. Most of us still have things left undone.

You're at the point where you've paid your dues but aren't quite satisfied. However, you've earned the right to prioritize yourself. Sometimes it's a good thing to be selfish in moderation. It's your life, and you're entitled to it.

Many of us live longer when we decide that we've not finished our work here. There are plenty of examples of men and women who've made great accomplishments late in life, or entirely changed course. Never tell yourself that it's too late.

The bottom line is that you have plenty of life left, and there's little reason to feel helpless. Whatever your decision is, there's no wrong answer. If you're proud of your legacy, enjoy it and spend time doing what you love most. If you feel there's something left, pursue it! — Doug

Q: Because I have more issues getting around, I feel like I am always inconveniencing my children and their families when we get together. I usually have to ask someone to give me a ride, or even leave early with me because I get exhausted.

What can I do to make up for the imposition?

A: First of all, remind yourself that you've spent a lot of time and effort on them throughout their lives. Raising a family is an exhausting endeavor, and parents go out of their way to help their children.

When your children are older, they will likely find themselves in the same situation, reliant on their children. What goes around comes around — if they model a caring attitude, their children will hopefully learn to be the same way.

Whenever you find yourself in a fixed situation, your best option is to reframe your attitude. Instead of being apologetic to your family, be grateful. Don't spend all your time apologizing, but thank them for going out of their way for you. Tell them how much you enjoy your time together.

A positive outlook is contagious. If you have a positive attitude around them, they will find themselves feeling the same way. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

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.