The author on a visit from California to Chicago, curious about how the elderly population survives and thrives in this cold and windy city. 

(Backstory): She had managed a residential care facility for the elderly for 11 years, worked with families and healthcare professionals in finding placements to assisted living communities, was a long-distance caregiver to her dad for 3 years before he passed, and is currently spending a lot of time with her 76 year old mom while also giving support and attention to her two grown children.