Area Seniors Add Up Marathon Miles: 1,310 and Counting

For the next 30 days, residents of Monarch Landing will be walking, running or swimming an average of 44 miles each day, as they join other seniors across the U.S. in Project 1,310.  The title reflects the total number of miles in 50 complete marathons and is the goal in terms of miles that the residents want to cross over the course of the month.  Project 1,310 is an initiative of Life Care Services, the management company of Monarch Landing.

The corporate-wide challenge was developed to honor the accomplishment of Elizabeth Proffitt, the marketing director at Heritage of Green Hills. The senior living community, which is managed by Life Care Services, is located in Pennsylvania.  Seven years ago, Proffitt lost her husband to cancer and in dealing with her grief, started running marathons. She set her goal of completing 50 marathons in 50 states before she turned 50 years old.  Last fall, Proffitt accomplished her goal, running the final marathon in Des Moines, the hometown of Life Care Services.   Many of her friends and coworkers were there to celebrate the culmination of her seven-year accomplishment. “She had a lot of cheerleaders along the way,” said Antonio Galvan, wellness manager of Monarch Landing who is part of the national Project 1,310 planning team.

In support of Proffitt, as well as in recognition of the corporation’s commitment to health and fitness, Life Care Services launched Project 1,310.  All LCS communities are being encouraged to participate in the program from February 17-March 18th. “We’re hoping that we’ll have at least 50 communities involved,” said Galvan. “We’re hoping that there will be thousands of seniors taking part in it.”

Monarch Landing, which has a strong culture of wellness and fitness, was quick to embrace the program, with more than 90 residents signing on.  This includes members of Monarch Landings’ 90 Plus Club comprised of residents ages 90 and over.

“We are getting the participating residents all pedometers,” said Galvan. “We are encouraging residents to participate in Project 1,310 in whatever physical activity they choose in which distance can be measured...land, water, elliptical.  They all have tracking sheets and at the end of each week we’re compiling information.  There will be a sense of competition and camaraderie while also encouraging the residents to work out and track their efforts.  While this is a physical activity challenge, there will certainly be several aspects of a resident’s wellbeing that will be positively impacted.”

Excited by the program, staff members of Life Care Services are forming their own teams to participate.

Motivational videos of Elizabeth Proffitt addressing the participants will be shown at Monarch Landing throughout the month, and various accomplishments will be awarded.  “We’ll be celebrating our local triumphs as well as the national success,” said Galvan.  “It amounts to a total of 44 miles each day for thirty days.  It’s an ambitious goal, but our very active residents are up to the challenge.”

Monarch Landing is a continuing care retirement 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 currently offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. Upon completion of The Springs at Monarch Landing which is currently under construction, the community will also offer assisted living memory support, 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 call 630-548-0400.