Introducing the Emerging Field of 'Eco' Gerontology

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Gerontology: 

The Study of the Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Spiritual

and Environmental Aspects of Human Development and Aging

Across the Lifespan; Birth–Death

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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'. 

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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 

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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."

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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:

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• 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.

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As an Eco Gerontologist, Educator, and Consultant,

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I advocate for and help individuals and communities Grow supportive environments that provide individuals with:

 

- 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

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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 ​

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Learn more about Eco Gerontology and Harmonious Longevity on the

Dr. Cooley Show!  

Aging in a Climate-Changing World

Eco Gerontology emphasizes the importance of 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 potential of their surroundings, I am an eco gerontologist dedicated to enhancing quality of life for people of all ages, current and future generations. 

I work with individuals, health professionals, carers, committees, municipalities and communities to co-create and utilize supportive, accessible, and multifunctional outdoor spaces.

 

With a focus on nature-inspired education, I am dedicated to providing fun and engaging educational opportunities that benefit both

people and planet.​​​​​​

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Be Inspired to share care outdoors! Listen to my conversation with

Dr. Mara Karpel & Your Golden Years, recorded live in May 5th, 2024. 

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Check out my interview with Pam Moreno in the Monterey Weekly.