The Eco Gerontology Initiative: Advancing Research, Education and Practice in Eco Gerontology.
Welcome to The Eco Gerontology Initiative!
Advancing Research, Education and Practice in Eco Gerontology
“I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to.” — Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Have you ever wondered what would shift if humans had more opportunities to slow down and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world?
Are you longing for more opportunities to be in the Great Outdoors? Are you concerned about today's children growing up in a fast-paced digital world increasingly disconnected from Nature?
Do you wish we had a care system that valued daily access to Nature as a basic form of care for everyone, including people living with dementia, mobility impairments, and disabilities, and those receiving care at home or in residential care communities?
If these questions resonate with you, you're in the right place!
What Is Eco Gerontology?
Eco Gerontology invites us to look at the larger ecology shaping how we live, age, work, care, and contribute, and to recognize that human wellbeing cannot be separated from the wellbeing of the places we call Home.
Eco Gerontology asks us to reflect on how we respond to the metacrisis unfolding, yes, and how we can co-create resilient and reciprocal conditions for people, communities, local economies, and the living world to flourish together.
Drawing upon gerontology, nature connectedness, deep ecology, climate psychology, ecophilosophy, bioregionalism, regenerative economics, and ethics of care, The Eco Gerontology Initiative (EGI) bridges disciplinary boundaries and connects scholarly inquiry with experiential, place-based learning for all ages.
Eco Gerontology offers a broader ecological and relational perspective on aging, care, and livability in our everything changing world.
Two Signature Educational Programs
EGI offers two complementary certificate programs that connect interdisciplinary learning, personal experience, reflective practice, and practical application.
Both programs welcome professionals, educators, researchers, students, community leaders, caregivers, and lifelong learners interested in contributing to this emerging field.
Care Outdoors Companion Training
Putting Eco Gerontology into Practice
Six-Week Experiential Learning Program
Care Outdoors Companion Training prepares participants to integrate the Great Outdoors and Nature Experience into how we care for ourselves, each other, and our shared Home.
Through guided, evidence-based practices and reflective dialogue, participants foster a deeper relationship with Nature, with Home, while developing practical skills that can be adapted across personal, professional, and community contexts.
The training also explores how Nature's cycles of life, death, and renewal can deepen our understanding of living, caring, dying, and grieving, while fostering Nature Connectedness and Reciprocal-Shared Care throughout the lifespan.
Whether you are supporting older adults, family members, clients, students, or neighbors, you'll discover simple yet profound ways to share care outdoors with all ages.
The Care Outdoors Companion Approach
The word Companion reflects the heart of the Care Outdoors Approach.
Companionship is more than providing care.
Care Outdoors Companions offer presence, restore relationships, and inspire curiosity by sharing nature-connected experiences.
Rooted in EGI's philosophy of Reciprocal-Shared Care, Care Outdoors recognizes that all care is relational and reciprocal.
Explore the Six Learning Modules
Module I: The Dire Need for Care Outdoors
We begin with an overview of outdoor experiences and Nature's vital role in fostering health and wellbeing. This module traces the historical significance of our relationship with Nature, from the first therapeutic communities to modern-day practices.
We explore how engaging with Nature has been integral to promoting mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing throughout human history.
Recognizing the decline in Human-Nature interactions and terms like Nature-Deficit Disorder, this module underscores the importance of integrating outdoor experiences into care and engagement practices to nurture holistic health and wellbeing for individuals and communities of all ages.
Throughout Module I, you will also begin experiencing foundational Care Outdoors practices, including finding your Sit Spot, Slow Living, and Friluftsliv.
Module II: Reimagining Care: Our Relationship with Nature
In this module, we explore the Human-Nature relationship, highlighting the ethical dimensions of care.
Nature Connectedness, a measurable psychological construct, goes beyond mere contact with Nature and emphasizes how fostering a strong relationship with Nature can enhance health and wellbeing.
You will discover Reciprocal-Shared Care, interdependence and reciprocity in the care relationship, while developing a foundational and experiential understanding of Nature Connectedness that we continue building on throughout the training.
Through the Science of Awe, Awe Walking, and other experiential practices, windows of opportunity emerge as ways to strengthen your relationship with Nature and the bioregion where you live while considering how these experiences can inform the care you share with others.
Module III: Exploring Green Care Approaches
Based on the collaborative insights outlined in Green Care: A Conceptual Framework, we examine various evidence-based Green Care approaches, including therapeutic horticulture, animal-assisted therapy, care farming, green exercise, forest bathing, and environmental conservation.
You will gain insights into the diverse benefits of Green Care interventions and programs for all participants.
Through experiential practices and reflection, you also explore how Green Care Values can be thoughtfully integrated into everyday care, community, and your life.
Module IV: The Emerging Field of Eco Gerontology
This module introduces the foundational concepts of gerontology and explores the emerging field of Eco Gerontology.
Eco Gerontology expands the traditional focus to include the human connection with the natural environment and its profound impact on health and wellbeing.
You’ll discover your bioregion, Indigenous communities and the ecological self, while considering the relationships among aging, care, the economy, age-friendly cities, livability and nature connected placemaking.
Module V: Sensory Engagement with Nature & Removing Barriers
We examine research on how to remove barriers and foster opportunities for people of all ages to access nature-rich landscapes in daily life, including individuals living with dementia, greening dementia care, those with mobility impairments and disabilities, who are receiving care at home or in residential care communities.
Studies underscore the numerous health benefits of the Nature Experience and emphasize the need for inclusive design and community support.
This module offers a comprehensive exploration of research findings and evidence-based strategies to enhance outdoor access and sensory engagement, promoting physical, mental, social, and environmental wellbeing for all participants.
By addressing perceived barriers and incorporating person-centered and Reciprocal-Shared Care principles, you will discover simple yet profound ways to co-create meaningful sensory experiences with Nature.
Module VI: Growing a Nature-Based Care Practice & Career Pathways
In this final module, we bring together the knowledge, practices, reflections, and experiences explored throughout Care Outdoors.
We consider opportunities for developing a Nature-Based Care Practice and explore emerging career pathways, including Green Social Prescribing and possibilities taking shape within the growing Wellbeing Economy.
Your Final Reflection provides an opportunity to bring together what you have learned and experienced throughout the six weeks and consider how you will continue Sharing Care Outdoors beyond the training.
Feedback will help you identify ways to build upon your learning and develop a solid foundation for future career and volunteer opportunities.
Experiential Learning & Educational Format
Care Outdoors combines six self-paced modules, six one-hour facilitated live sessions, experiential outdoor practices, reflective journaling, and a continuing community of practice.
Foundational experiences include:
Sit Spots and Awe Walks
Noticing Nature and Forest Bathing
Breath Awareness and Nature Photography
Bioregional Discoveries
Reflective Journaling
The Green Care Code
Participants receive, via snail mail, a Care Outdoors Companion of Reflections and Practices and a Care Outdoors Journal to support their reflective learning experiences.
The program encourages participants to develop their relationship with Nature while considering how these experiences can be adapted to different abilities, settings, and care relationships.
Care Outdoors in Organizational Practice
Care Outdoors also offers customized team training for aging services organizations, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community-based programs.
Adult Enrichment Centers became the first Care Outdoors Certified Organization in the United States and after approximately 18 months of implementation, CEO Samantha Kriegshauser described how the training helped staff bring greater meaning and consistency to outdoor engagement, moving beyond simply providing fresh air toward intentional nature-connected experiences.
Next Care Outdoors Companion Training Cohort: January 14, 2027
Eco Gerontology Certificate
Interdisciplinary Seminar-Style Certificate Program
Welcome to this pioneering seminar-style course introducing Eco Gerontology, exploring aging through an ecological lens!
Eco Gerontology is not yet an established field; together, in our founding cohorts, we are co-pioneering its roots.
Aging Is Living
We explore how slowing down and tuning into the rhythms of Nature can guide us toward new ways of thinking, being, and caring for ourselves, our families, our communities, and all our relations in our shared Home.
Through an ecological lens, we also explore death, dying, grief, and renewal as integral dimensions of living, reflecting on how Nature's cycles of growth, decay, and regeneration can deepen our understanding of mortality, interdependence, and care across generations.
The Learning Experience
This course is designed as an intimate, experiential learning community, different from traditional online classes or lecture-heavy trainings.
We embrace the rare opportunity to slow down, be present, and co-create meaning together.
The program combines small-group live seminars, interdisciplinary scholarship, independent study, reflective practice, and place-based learning.
Overview of Learning Modules
Module I: What IS Eco Gerontology?
This opening module invites us to slow down, notice, and lean into the cycles of nature as a foundation for our exploration.
We ground ourselves in the roots of environmental gerontology while expanding into a more ecological vision: placing our relationship with the natural world at the heart of how we understand, support, and design for aging in a climate-changing world.
Together, we:
Experience how slowing down, tuning into sunrise and sunset, lunar, seasonal cycles and celebrations can bring balance, renewal, and connection to home.
Restore a felt sense of belonging within the larger web of life
Module II: Nature Connectedness, Biophilia & Placemaking
Health and wellbeing are profoundly shaped by our relationship with Nature and the places we inhabit. We explore biophilia, our innate love for Nature, and how nurturing this bond supports vitality, resilience, and belonging across the lifespan. Bioregionalism helps us root ourselves in the unique ecologies, histories, and cultures of our local landscapes.
Together, we:
Reflect on our ecological selves and how identity, meaning, and health are intertwined with place
Explore the role of placemaking in designing inclusive and life-giving environments
Core Inquiry: How does slowing down and tuning into natural rhythms deepen our understanding of aging in harmony with Nature, with Home?
Module III: Climate Resilience Across Generations
We are all aging in a climate-changing world. Older adults may face heightened risks, from heat stress to displacement, yet they also carry wisdom, adaptability, and leadership essential for navigating these challenges. Younger generations confront an uncertain future, raising urgent questions about equity, responsibility, and care for our shared home.
Together, we:
Examine how climate change impacts aging populations and amplifies existing vulnerabilities
Explore intergenerational dynamics and how climate challenges can unite communities
Reflect on the core actions in the UN Decade of Healthy Aging 2021–2030 in a Climate Changing World
Core Inquiry: How can we honor older adults’ roles while fostering intergenerational solidarity to navigate a climate-changing world?
Module IV: Livability, Food, & Regenerative Economies
Co-creating environments that support health, wellbeing, and connection requires thoughtful design at every scale, from homes and gardens to neighborhoods and communities.
Together, we:
Explore Degenerative & Regenerative Economies
Examine permaculture ethics, food systems, and how bioregional knowledge can inform regenerative and just systems.
Core Inquiries:
How can we grow economic systems that regenerate and are equitable for all, people and Nature?
How can local food practices support thriving communities across generations while honoring ecological limits and cultural wisdom?
Module V: Thriving Together: Interdependence & Ecological Wisdom
This closing module invites you to integrate everything we’ve explored thus far, nature connectedness, bioregionalism, deep ecology, climate resilience, regenerative systems, slow living, reciprocity and interdependence and begin shaping your own ecosophy.
Together, we:
Examine how ecological wisdom can guide collective action and care, fostering reciprocity, resilience, mutual support, and livability for all
Core Inquiry: How can ecological wisdom and interdependence reshape the way we care for ourselves, others, and our shared home, nurturing our ability to Age in rhythm with Nature?
VI: Final Reflections Returning Home, Again and Again: Ecosophy, Regeneration & Living Values
Closing Circle: Sharing Our Ecosophy
This culminating seminar is a longer gathering designed to honor the experience of our cohort and chart the way forward. Prior to the session, you will receive a Values Reflection to prepare for our co-creative work.
Together, we:
Reflect on how our values can be embodied and applied in both personal practice and community settings.
Envision pathways for bringing Eco Gerontology into communities as a force for wellbeing across generations.
Guiding Question: How can our values transform communities, nurture wellbeing across generations, and care for the Earth, our shared home?
Educational Approach & Outcomes
The Eco Gerontology Certificate emphasizes slow learning, interdisciplinary dialogue, and opportunities for participants to apply their learning within their professions, communities, research, and everyday lives.
Learning experiences include required readings, curated films and multimedia resources, independent study, guided place-based practices, and reflective journaling.
Participants develop an Eco Gerontology perspective for examining the interconnected relationships between aging, Nature, health, care, community, economy, and the living world.
Upon completion, participants receive an Eco Gerontology Certificate and Founding Membership in EGI, access to continued learning and connection with a growing international
Next Eco Gerontology Certificate Cohort: January 20, 2027
From Learning to Practice
Our two educational programs are distinct yet interconnected.
The Eco Gerontology Certificate explores the ecological, social, and economic systems shaping aging and care, and how we can shift toward more reciprocal, regenerative, and equitable conditions for all generations to flourish in our Shared Home.
Care Outdoors Companion Training puts Eco Gerontology into practice, fostering Nature Connectedness and translating interdisciplinary learning into everyday living and care.
Both programs recognize people of all ages, including older adults, as active learners, contributors, and co-pioneers in casting the seeds for a regenerative future.
A Growing International Learning Community
EGI's educational programs have welcomed participants ranging in age from 25 to 97, representing 13 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
Our growing community of co-pioneers brings together people from aging studies and higher education, health sciences, occupational and recreational therapy, senior living and memory care, environmental education, forest therapy, parks and recreation, therapeutic gardening, disability support, community advocacy, and lifelong learning.
This diversity of ages, disciplines, and lived experiences enriches our interdisciplinary learning community and creates opportunities for reciprocal learning across generations and professional backgrounds.
Eco Gerontology Community Conversations
Our free monthly Eco Gerontology Community Conversations offer an informal, welcoming space for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, share perspectives, and explore the emerging field of Eco Gerontology together.
Whether you're new to Eco Gerontology or already exploring its ideas in your life and work, you're welcome to join us!
Come Co-Pioneer With Us!
Whether you're interested in deepening your relationship with Nature, bringing Care Outdoors into your professional practice, or exploring the broader ecological, social, and economic dimensions of aging and care, we invite you to learn and grow with us.
The Eco Gerontology Initiative
Advancing Research, Education and Practice in Eco Gerontology
