Q: My husband and I are in our 50s and hopeful that we can retire within 12 years. However, neither of us enjoys the best of health. We realize that we should face what options we will have and that we should prioritize now. Since we have no children, we will need outside help.

Although we would prefer to remain in our own home, like most seniors, it is probably not going to be an option for us.

What options do you think we should be considering now to become prepared for our actual retirements?

A: Check out ways you can save more money now to finance your future. The No. 1 fear of most retirees is that they will run out of money during their lifetime.

Governmental statistics indicate that 76 million Americans were born between 1946 and 1964. This means 6 million boomers will be searching for housing in the future.

Retirement community developers are doing their homework and trying to build facilities that are safer, friendlier, and more modern and acceptable to newcomers. They are paying for surveys to determine what retirees want the most.

First, and foremost, most retirees would prefer to remain in their own homes and continue to live near their families and friends if possible. Their second choice is usually determined by their health.

Most retirees process their retirement lives in several stages. They make choices and choose their attitude based on what their peers do.

Up for discussion are locations, which should boast good transportation, favorable weather, conveniently located doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, shopping centers, and entertainment and religious centers.

Upscale amenities being considered include more attractive clubhouses, large community rooms, excellent exercise equipment, computer access and training, lending libraries, a heated pool, swimming and golf facilities, avocation clubs, coffee shops, entertainment, and classes taught by experts who will discuss taxes, health, relationships and finances.

Some builders now include a small, separate room as an attachment to accommodate the sleeping needs of snoring couples. Under consideration are larger spaces to accommodate big screens, computers and more room for storage.

Now is your lead time to increase your savings, as doing so will also give you more options in the future. Options will be available!

Q: We are observing that when we were younger, we were not as serious as we are now, and in retirement, we are taking what we believe to be life much too seriously. Of course, we have all experienced our own individual potholes and learned to cope with what we have experienced, taking the high road. How can we loosen up and enjoy the ride?

A: Now that you have recognized you want to cheer yourselves up, the key word is to choose "POSITIVE"! Do not allow negative friends to influence your thinking and attitudes. At this stage in your life, you have paid your dues and are entitled to enjoy yourselves and have fun. Play fun card games like I Doubt It.

To avoid stress, optimists at the Mayo Clinic advise us to choose "LAUGHTER" ... that's no joke!

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.