Q: My husband and I are retiring, and we plan to move to a retirement community in about two months. Our problem is that we have a choice of either buying or leasing a unit there, and we cannot decide what the best choice should be. What would you recommend?

A: It boils down to your best guess. Many retirees believe that in retirement it will be like living on a cruise ship without water. We cannot escape responsibilities, nor will we be able to learn if we made the best choice until a later date.

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. Mark one side "pros," and mark the other side "cons". List items such as your likely future health, your financial capabilities, your social activities, pets in the community and the general amenities and maintenance and whether you're interested in attending classes.

Would leasing for a year offer you extra time to evaluate your lifestyle change? Could a year's lease that includes an option to buy prove beneficial? Will real estate prices go up or down? Should a negative unanticipated family development require you to help out? Is it better for you to buy or keep your nest egg handy? Is heath care available?

Do not be surprised if other issues do not raise their heads. Many seniors like the idea of settling in and owning their home. Becoming a part of a new community and getting rid of a lot of maintenance details is a great stress reliever. Handling emotional, financial and family decisions for seniors is enough of a challenge for most of us.

However, remember the best part of retirement is that it provides the freedom we have looked forward to for most of our lives. HOORAY!

Q: Seniors as well as younger individuals sometimes get down the in the dumps for a couple of hours without justification. It just happens! I do not understand my negative thoughts and believe they are mostly based on loneliness, fear, boredom, missing friends or whatever. Do you have any suggestions to pep me up when I experience these downers?

A: A quick and positive solution that works is to distract yourself by reminiscing about your younger days. Reminding yourself of a great belly laugh that you experienced with your family and friends will lift your spirits. You cannot beat laughing for a tune-up!

Exercise is one of the most satisfying pleasures we can enjoy. Flinging yourself out the door for a 15-minute walk will distract you and make you feel better and more upbeat. Just people watching reminds us of how happy a positive outlook can be. Burst out loudly singing your favorite song and enjoy taking a few dance steps. Call up a friend and telling him/her you were just thinking about them and how much they mean to your life is a winner.

Lunch isn't too bad, either!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. 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.