Q: As grandparents, we are not computer literate. We communicate by phone with our families who all live out of state. As it is happening in most families, our loved ones are on the go all the time while working, raising their children and facing their daily crises.

We in our 70s fear computers because we simply do not believe we are capable of learning how to operate them. Do you think we could learn to do so?

A: Absolutely YES. Many seniors who are older have joined the computer club. They have learned there really is a new world available to them.

The secret is to change your attitude to: "YES, WE CAN LEARN."

You will be surprised to find how helpful, supportive and patient those who use their computers are. Many newcomers take free classes at their library and senior centers and get help from encouraging friends and neighbors.

You will soon quickly experience how easy it is to become more closely involved with your family. Computers offer the ability to reconnect with your family, make new friends with whom you have similar interests, access website information that answers most of your questions, give you the ability to become a smarter shopper and save money, quickly teach you many new things, allow you to share photos, let you discuss your opinions and learn what others believe, offer health and wealth advice and language, assist in making vacation plans, make you laugh and sometimes even do your grocery shopping.

There is a new world out there waiting for you to join in. Your only regret will be that you did not join the club sooner!

Q: Our plan is that my husband and I take retirement on Dec. 31, 2015. We want to donate our snow shovel and skis to Goodwill! How should we begin our search?

A: Begin by listing your priorities. Your new life offers many options as retirement offers many options and choices.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get your current health status and future outlook. Wealth plays a major role after retirement. Do not underestimate inflation because we appear to be headed toward higher prices for food, health care, federal and state taxes, continuing rent and association fee increases and possibly needing to help financially family members, along with other surprises.

Other issues include possibly losing some contact with your family and friends if they are not nearby. Be sure to realize that it takes time to adjust to new doctors, banks, locate shopping and entertainment malls, assessing how long you can drive safely and availability of transportation sites.

Every family has different needs. As retirees you will have more time together. Do you golf, play bridge, swim or hike? Think of not only what you want to do now, but also try to foresee what lies ahead. The reality is that what your current situation will change!

You are on the right track to do so now!

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.