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Greetings!

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Monica Ann Eastway, M.S.

Eco Gerontologist | Educator | Founder, The Eco Gerontology Initiative  â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

I believe our relationship with Nature is one of the most overlooked dimensions of health, wellbeing, belonging, and longevity.

 

My work was inspired by my great-grandmother, Tess, whose admission to a skilled nursing facility revealed a troubling reality: despite a lifetime of connection with the outdoors, gardens, animals, and community, she found herself living in an environment largely disconnected from the natural world. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to reimagining aging, care, and community life through a more ecological lens.

 

Today, I am recognized as a pioneer in the emerging field of Eco Gerontology, which explores how relationships between people, communities, places, and the living world shape wellbeing across the lifespan.

 

Through The Eco Gerontology Initiative, I advance research, education, and practice that places Nature at the heart of how we understand and support aging in a rapidly changing world.

 

My work integrates insights from Gerontology, Deep Ecology, Nature Connectedness, Green Care, environmental psychology, and healthy longevity research to help individuals, organizations, and communities cultivate more nature-connected, regenerative futures.

 

I hold a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Toledo.

 

Over the past two decades, I have worked alongside older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, educators, universities, community organizations, and nature-based practitioners to develop innovative approaches that support wellbeing, belonging, resilience, and meaningful contribution throughout life.

 

As founder of the Care Outdoors Companion Training and the Eco Gerontology Foundational Certificate, I am committed to creating engaging educational experiences that translate research into practical action.

 

My vision is a future where people of all ages have opportunities to experience daily connection with Nature, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and flourish within healthy social and ecological systems.

 

Together, we can help shape the emerging field of Eco Gerontology and cultivate regenerative futures for all generations.

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Education & Credentials

  • Master of Science in Gerontology, University of Indianapolis

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy, University of Toledo

  • End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate, University of Vermont

  • Emotional Intelligent Leadership Certificate, Weatherhead School of Management

  • Permaculture Design Credential, Santa Cruz Permaculture

  • Licensed Massage Therapist, Ohio State Medical Board

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Selected Media and Public Engagements:

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​© 2021 by Monica Ann Eastway

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