Monica Eastway
Eco Gerontologist
Innovating A New Model of Living and Care
Connecting All Ages to the Goodness of Our Shared Home
Age-Integrated ~ Community-Based ~ Resident Sustained ~Nature Inspired
Introducing the Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology
Gerontology:
The Study of the Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Spiritual
and Environmental Aspects of Human Development and Aging
Across the Lifespan; Birth–Death
What is the Difference between Geriatrics and Gerontology?
Geriatrics focuses on the medical care and treatment of older adults, while Gerontology
encompasses the study of aging, including the biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental aspects, to Promote Wellbeing, Quality of Life and Harmonious Longevity ~
Eco Gerontology puts the Ecosystem back in Home.
'Eco' comes from the Ancient Greek word okios, meaning 'Home'.
Home holistically includes our entire bioregion—land, plants, towns, watersheds, and beyond, including all living beings—
birds, bees, trees, etc.
We now know the Aging Process is conditioned by genetic factors, variations in personal development and Above All,
the interaction between individuals and their environments—
Our Built Environment [houses, schools, towns, roadways, parks...]
Our Social Environment [human-human and human-Nature Connectedness]
And The Natural Environment
Eco Gerontology in the NEWS
PBS/Next Avenue:
Enjoy Nature for a Healthier, Longer Life
Lessons from Blue Zones
Dan Buettner discovered that people living in what he coined the
Blue Zones live longer and healthier lives not because of pills, supplements, or extreme exercise,
but because they reside in environments that:
-
Encourage moving naturally every 20 minutes
-
Foster living in towns built for humans and Nature, not just cars
-
Promote walking, walking, walking
-
Support activities like kneading bread and grinding corn
-
Facilitate living, working, and playing outdoors, surrounded by healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, generating high levels of nature connectedness
-
Nurture growing gardens and eating locally grown food
As Buettner says, "they live rewardingly inconvenient lives."
Additionally, the healthiest humans on Earth live with a sense of purpose and meaning, what the Japanese call Ikigai.
They live not just for hobbies and activities but for a purpose greater than themselves, with a sense of responsibility for their family, community, the natural environment, and future generations.
Eco Gerontology prioritizes the natural environment in our efforts to
co-create supportive environments for all ages.
Numerous research studies underscore how nature-rich spaces, including biodiverse habitats, green and blue spaces like gardens, small farms, lakes, rivers, beaches, parks, forests and meadows, Contribute to:
-
Healthy Longevity
-
Higher Quality of Life
-
Brain Health
-
Reduced Risk of Chronic Health Conditions
However, the Natural Environment
is often overlooked in
Aging-Friendly policies,
programs and projects.
As an Eco Gerontologist, Educator, Consultant, and Aspiring Green Care Farmer,
I advocate for and support individuals and communities Nurture and Grow Environments that Promote:
- Access to Nature
- Nutrient-rich food
- Security
- Biodiversity
- Stability
- Connection
- Equal opportunities to develop skills and competence
- Collaboration with a shared purpose
- Capacity to maintain societal contributions
- Reciprocal-Shared Care: Caring In, For, and With Nature
Mission:
Connect All Ages to the Goodness of Our Shared Home
Nature IS Our #1 Care Ally
and we can learn how to become Nature's #1 Care Ally
Nurturing Harmonious Longevity
for Current and Future Generations
Learn more about Eco Gerontology and Harmonious Longevity on the
And Check Out the PBS/Next Avenue Article:
Enjoy Nature for a Longer, Healthier Life
Aging in a Climate-Changing World
Bee Inspired! Visit my YouTube Channel
Eco Gerontology prioritizes healthy natural environments in supporting sustainable livability and advocates for nature-inspired and community-based solutions to our most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Empowering individuals and communities to harness the full health promoting power of their surroundings, I am an eco gerontologist dedicated to enhancing quality of life and elevating wellbeing for people of all ages, current and future generations.
I work with individuals, health professionals, carers, committees, municipalities and communities to co-create supportive, accessible, and multifunctional healing outdoor places.
With a focus on nature-inspired education, I am dedicated to providing fun and engaging educational opportunities that benefit both
people and planet.
Be Inspired to share care outdoors! Listen to my conversation with
Dr. Mara Karpel & Your Golden Years, recorded live in May 5th, 2024.
Check out my interview with Pam Moreno in the Monterey Weekly.
Support the Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology
Your donation helps me continue advancing nature-based care through the Care Outdoors initiative, improving wellbeing for People and Nature.
💛 Your support generates lasting impact. 💛
📣 Adult Enrichment Centers (AEC) has made History 📣
as the
First Adult Day Health Care Organization in the USA
to Achieve Leader Certification from Care Outdoors!!!!
"We are thrilled that our members are enjoying
Care Outdoors and that the program is promoting opportunities for our on-staff wellness coaches and certified practitioners to slow down and connect in a real way."
Enjoy their article ➡️ Natural Partners: AEC & Care Outdoors
and bee inspired by all the Goodness they are Growing
paving the way for a new way of being with care
and meaningful engagement.
Care Outdoors™,
is more than just another training
this is a movement
Together,
We can normalize
Daily Access to
The Great Outdoors
as Not a Luxury
but as
The Root of all Wellbeing,
of Care,
and Quality of Life
for All Ages
Care Outdoors empowers you to Share Care Outdoors,
in any outdoor space, every day!
Be equipped to foster Nature-Inspired Wellness Programs,
Nature-Connected Communities and Experiences for All Ages,
including people living with dementia, disability, and mobility impairments.
What You'll Gain:
-
Foster purpose, joy, and connectedness, reduce loneliness, isolation and prevent burnout
-
Weekly engagement with video content, lectures, and interactive discussions via a user-friendly online platform for flexible, accessible learning.
-
Hands-on experiential learning practices to apply concepts directly.
-
Simple Yet Profound Mindful Ways to Improve Your Wellbeing
Grow Wellbeing With The Great Outdoors!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in the demands of everyday life?
Whether you’re caring for others, managing work stress, or simply seeking more peace, Care Outdoors offers you a path back to balance—through the Power of the Nature Experience.
Why Care Outdoors?
In today's world, many people struggle with constant stress, fatigue, and a sense of disconnection.
If you're feeling burned out or overwhelmed, you're not alone.
Care Outdoors provides simple, accessible tools to help you reconnect with Nature, recharge your energy, and restore your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Participants often report feeling calmer, more focused, and better able to manage their responsibilities after just a few lessons.
Imagine the relief of finding more peace and joy in your daily life, even when things get busy.
Does This Sound Familiar?
-
Caregivers & Healthcare Workers: Feeling worn out from taking care of others but not yourself? Learn how Nature can help you reduce stress, avoid burnout, and bring renewed energy to your caregiving.
-
Professionals & Leaders: Struggling with work pressure or decision fatigue? Discover how to integrate Nature into your workday to feel more balanced and focused.
-
Individuals & Families: Seeking more connection with loved ones? Learn how nature can nurture your relationships and help you feel more present and engaged.
-
Older Adults & All Ages: Looking for ways to stay healthy and active? Reconnect with Nature in ways that support healthy aging and bring joy to your everyday life.
What You’ll Gain
-
Relief from Stress: Simple practices that fit into your day to help calm your mind and body.
-
A Sense of Connection: Restore your connection to yourself, others, and the natural world around you.
-
Renewed Energy: Physical, mental, and emotional benefits that help you feel more vibrant and focused.
Enroll Today! Choose Your Path!
Why Now?
It’s easy to put off self-care, but the pressures of life don’t stop.
The more stressed and disconnected you feel, the harder it is to function.
The Great Outdoors is always waiting for you;
Care Outdoors shows you how to make the most of it.
Enroll today to begin your learning adventure toward a more
Nature-Connected Life!
When you enroll in a Care Outdoors Program, 2025, you are part of the Founders Cohort, becoming the first batch of leaders in the emerging field of Eco Gerontology. Awesome! Thank You!!!
What is Eco Gerontology?
