Q: I would like to think it's not because of my aging, but what I am experiencing concerns me. My 80th birthday is in October, and I realize I that I need to simplify my life. My husband and I raised our family in a large two-story house, where I still live. My kids have been urging me to me to downsize. I have balked and procrastinated for the last couple of years. But now I am ready. How should I go about it?

A: Many parents choose to not downsize, because they don't have enough energy, may dislike change and giving up control, and fear making the wrong decision and that siblings will fight over the items to be divided among them.

Tell your family you are ready to make the move and ask for their help. It will take time for the changes to take effect, but life usually become less stressful when they do.

Sharing your treasures and seeing them in their new homes can be an upbeat experience. You can relieve yourself of the responsibilities that come with so many belongings, including possible theft or fire, maintenance and possibly insurance premiums. Another idea to help you free yourself from your things is to entertain less. Let your family be the hosts!

Q: Our grandson and granddaughter, age 21 and 18, will vacation in Europe on their own in August. They are very excited about their trip, as are we, but, of course, as grandparents, we are concerned for their safety. They will spend two weeks traveling to several cities and stay at hotels. What are some good safety tips?

A: Set up a daily check-in plan to keep their parents and you informed, either by computer or phone. In hotels, tell them to always lock the door when they are inside and not open it until knockers identify themselves. They should check where the nearest emergency exits are located. While taking photos, they should remain aware of what's around them.

Protect their extra cash, credit cards and passports in hotel safes. They shouldn't flash jewelry or other valuables. They should hide their belongings as much as possible by using secret money belts, button-holed pockets and so forth. Banks are usually the cheapest places to exchange money.

Being overly friendly or involved with strangers, or making unnecessary eye contact with them is also not recommended. If your grandchildren drink, suggest they abstain from doing so on their vacation.

In an emergency, police stations are a safe harbor. Once when I was overseas, I got separated from my family. The police station was always our designated meeting place. After several hours, that is where I found them.

If your grandchildren are suspicious of someone or some activity, tell them to dart into the nearest retailer for a temporary escape.

Today's younger citizens are much street smarter than we were and understand why it is important not to expose their valuables. Americans, by their friendliness and clothing are easily spotted. But they should remember that in a foreign environment, it is better to be inconspicuous for safety reasons.

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.