Q: Perhaps my wife and I are becoming overly paranoid, but with so many natural disasters and unstable individuals causing trouble, we believe we should create a safety and survival plan for ourselves. Being in our 60s, we understand we may experience fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, auto accidents and other unanticipated events.

We know having a family plan to cope with whatever might happen to us could prove to be a lifesaver, but we've procrastinated in creating one. What should it include?

A: First, list your priorities. Where would your family most likely physically be if something happens? Are cellphones with work and emergency numbers available? Many seniors have landlines, which are more likely to work during emergencies.

Your immediate concerns will be focused on who may have been injured, grabbing your emergency kit, and hoping you can take care of yourselves for the next 72 hours. Are your billfolds with credit and medical cards, purses, car keys, cash, food, water, shelter, clothing, medicines, first aid kit, important papers, dentures, glasses, blankets and other necessary items readily available? Remember to also always maintain a half tank of gas in your car.

Other than yourselves, who else may need your help? Parents, grandchildren, pets, neighbors or others?

Select a contact point where you and your family can find each other and regroup. Shelters, such as fire and police stations and religious facilities, are good providers.

On a yearly basis, perhaps on your birthday, recheck and update your documents and survival kits to update and refresh your supplies. Although it takes effort and time to put your survival kit together, just knowing you're prepared in the face of danger will relieve you of some stress. Make copies of your documents and distribute them to your loved ones.

Lastly, practice your procedures with your family every other month so that everyone knows how to respond and react should something unexpectedly happen!

Q: As I grow older, my sleep patterns are changing. I used to sleep about seven or eight hours straight. Now, I usually wake up a couple of times during the night. I go to the bathroom and frequently read for a while. I am 73 and do not know what is normal. Do you think I should be concerned?

A: Probably not, but if this change bothers you, you should speak to your doctor about it. According to the National Sleep Foundation, changes in our sleep patterns are a part of the normal aging process, and seniors do not spend as much time in deep sleep as younger people do.

Sleeping problems can occur if you're experiencing personal stress, heath issues, side effects from medications or chronic pain caused by arthritis or other factors, including genetics.

Discuss your concerns with your peers and friends. In sharing information, you may discover some additional helpful techniques.

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. 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.