If you’re going on your first cruise, like most people, you fear you’ll get seasick. You're not alone. When I first retired, my spouse asked if we could take a cruise. After serving in the Navy during two wars, I said a definite NO to going back out to sea again.

My reason was a shameful secret. I was afraid that more than a half-century from my last Navy sea duty, and after bragging for all these years about what a great sailor I was ... I feared I’d turn green and make an upchucking fool of myself on my first post-retirement cruise.

Don’t forget the young men and women who are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you’re a family member or school pal, a friendly note is always welcome, along with a thoughtful gift from those of us who appreciate their service to our country.

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a home-made video of your dad as a 19-year-old GI paratrooper in 1944 just before he jumped into France on D-Day? Would you like to see video shot by your grandparents as they narrated their experience on Ellis Island in 1909? Or your great-great grandfather’s 1863 video journal as he prepared for the Battle of Gettysburg?

Of course, there were no cell phone TVs or any kind of TV cameras in those days to record the important moments of their lives. However, today, you have fantastic video opportunities, and future generations of your family would like to see some real moments of your life after your time in history has passed.

There are definite ways for seniors to protect their health while flying, but it isn’t easy these days. The crowds, delays, security ordeals and dozens of other inconveniences and anxieties are enough to sicken any healthy person.

However, there are ways you can fight back, and maybe even reach your destination in good health and comfort. It probably won’t be easy, but here are some tips: