A Life Focusing on Wellness at Monarch Landing in Naperville

Breaking Barriers and Building a Life of Activity
Rita Meier’s life has always been defined by curiosity, energy, and determination. She began her professional journey in science, graduating from what was then Rosary College with a degree in chemistry at a time when few women entered the field. Her husband John now jokes that she graduated at the bottom of her class. In all fairness, she was one of only two students.

Later, she pursued a master’s degree in computer science and built a 16-year career with Reuters, once again succeeding in a profession where women were underrepresented.

In between, Rita dedicated herself to raising her children, balancing family life with careers that pushed beyond traditional boundaries for women of her generation.

A Passion for Wellness and Movement
Rita discovered yoga later in life, and what began as a personal interest became a calling. She pursued advanced certification and has taught in many settings including private homes, park districts, nonprofit organizations, and as a volunteer for cancer survivors at Living Well. Her love for teaching also took her far beyond Illinois.

Describing her experiences teaching yoga at resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, she said, “I teach two hours a day, and my husband and I get to travel together. I’m a lucky girl,” she said. Each summer, she also volunteers as a yoga instructor at Leelanau Pines Campground in northern Michigan, where she and her husband camp for a month each August.

Whether biking, traveling, or teaching, Rita has always made fitness and movement an essential part of her life.

Why Monarch Landing
After 35 years in their Lisle home, they realized it was time to make a change. Rita sustained a back injury that served as a wakeup call, making them realize a two-story house was not sustainable. They wanted to plan ahead for the future. They toured 13 communities before choosing Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville.

“Wellness was our top priority. Monarch Landing has fitness classes, wellness seminars, musical performances, and so much more,” Rita explained. “We did a staycation here, and that was the decisionmaker. The culture, the management, and the residents made us feel like we’d fit right in.” In April, Rita and her husband John, moved in.

Living Life to the Fullest
Rita and John embrace Monarch Landing’s lock-and-leave lifestyle. Just two weeks after moving in, they left for a month-long trip to Europe, without a care in the world about maintenance home safety or picking up the mail.

At Monarch Landing, they enjoy biking on the trails connected to the property and staying involved in the wide range of programs the community offers.

They were pleased to have the opportunity to customize their apartment layout and appliances.

The Meiers appreciated the support of a downsizing service during their move.

Very important to the couple, is the continuum of care Monarch Landing provides. Should their health needs change, they can receive increasing levels of care, without ever having to move again.

Thriving in the Right Place
From her careers in science and technology to her lifelong commitment to health, wellness, and learning, Rita has always found ways to keep moving forward. At Monarch Landing, she has found the perfect environment to continue living fully.

“The food is really good, the people are wonderful, the environment is beautiful, and the timing was perfect. This was a good move,” she said.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.