With good planning, regular exercise and some luck many of us can look forward to an active and leisurely retirement. But our annual Sentinel Silver Directory also helps seniors face the sad truth that health issues haunt us as we age.

Like many sons and daughters of the World War II generation, I've been able to rely on my parents' strength and good health until recently. Late in 2012, my mother's health took a turn for the worse and Dad has had to reach out to professional caregivers as well as to me and my wife.

As we navigated the complications of hospital and elder care, I relied on the advice and services of caring professionals who guided us all through uncharted waters. Mom now has good care and Christi and I are helping Dad face the challenges ahead.

Suddenly the information in Sentinel Silver is no longer for someone else. And I'm more impressed than ever by the usefulness of this publication that our staff presents every year for caregivers and active seniors in the Lodi area and San Joaquin County.

If you're like me, you'll keep Sentinel Silver handy. It can go in drawer awaiting an emergency. But I plan to keep this edition on the coffee table where it will inspire suggestions and help me find answers when my parents need me and Christi.

Wishing you and your parents health and strength in 2013

Marty Weybret, publisher