From Chicago Tribune Prime Time Section 9/13/13
On a recent Saturday morning, Ellie Merar, 87, walked to the farmer’s market in downtown Evanston. The market is a short distance from her apartment home at The Mather, a continuing care retirement building on Davis Street.
She enjoys strolling through the market. On her recent trip, she picked up a bouquet of flowers for her apartment. She also bought fresh peaches, enough to share with her friends at the building.
Other days, Merar likes to walk along Lake Michigan. The Mather is only a few blocks from the shoreline. Restaurants, shops and the pharmacy are all within walking distance too. “I can walk anywhere,” says Merar, a widow and retired school teacher, who prefers living in an urban location. “I want an environment with a lot of stimulation.”