What is eco gerontology? Every time Monica Eastway ‘21 (MS in Gerontology) is asked this question, she answers simply: “Aging in harmony with Nature.” These five words encapsulate a goal that Eastway has dedicated her personal and professional life to achieving, not only for herself but for others. Over the past five years, she has advanced the field of eco gerontology as only a true pioneer could.
Eastway’s groundbreaking journey was launched the day she enrolled in graduate-level public health classes at Case Western Reserve University. There she met Dr. Laura Santurri, who, at the time, was the director of the University of Indianapolis’s gerontology program. This introduction planted the seed for a relationship that would grow to shape Eastway’s career.
A few years later, Eastway led Rockin’ Wrinkles, a musical movement program for individuals living with dementia. As she refined the program, she sought ways to incorporate evidence-based practices, which prompted her to reconnect with Dr. Santurri. Their conversations led Eastway to explore the UIndy gerontology program (now known as the aging studies program).
“I’d thought about becoming a gerontologist for a really long time,” recalled Eastway. “I was a carer for my great-grandmother in my 20s and I was also raised by my three great-grandmothers. So, connecting with Dr. Santurri again inspired me to look into the program.”
Her great-grandmother’s move to a skilled nursing facility and her professional experience with the corporate profit-over-people model of living and care prevalent in the USA ultimately solidified her decision to officially enroll in the program.
“It was really harrowing to experience how outdated and cruel our current models of care and living are,” said Eastway. “That’s specifically why I returned to school. I was developing a new model of living and care connected to Nature, age-integrated, community-based – and I knew that a master’s in gerontology would help me hone the model, ensure it was evidence-based, and equip me with a deeper understanding of aging.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, while challenging, gave Eastway an opportunity to fully immerse herself in her studies. With in-person work paused, she focused on her coursework and even became a certified end-of-life doula through the University of Vermont.
Eastway’s vision solidified during her time at UIndy, particularly through her capstone project, which focused on her revolutionary community model: Eco Generation Park. This new approach to living and care focuses on four key principles: nature-inspired, age-integrated, community-based, and resident-sustained.
Since graduating in 2021, Eastway has continued to develop the project. In a recent PBS and Next Avenue profile by John Wasik, Eastway dove into the research and impact the model could have in the aging landscape.
“Right now my focus with the Eco Generation model is awareness,” said Eastway. “Everything starts with education and spreading awareness of this new way of doing things. Every day I just keep growing it. I know in my heart and soul that it will come to life. We might get the first community in a couple of years or 10 years from now, but I’m in this for the long haul.”
Another way that Eastway is raising awareness for the field is through the creation of her online course, The Care Outdoors Program. This online program is designed to enhance and empower innovative leaders in lifestyle medicine, community building, and healthcare to incorporate Nature into their approaches with an eco gerontology lens. The first public cohort of the program began in December and included participants from around the world.
“It’s really exciting because it shows me that there’s a need for this,” said Eastway. “People want to learn more about how connecting with Nature can improve health and wellbeing for all ages. Nature for health.”
Looking ahead, Eastway is busy growing the Care Outdoors Program, writing her book, learning permaculture design, and planning to pursue a doctorate in the coming years She will also appear in Susie Singer Carter’s docuseries, No Country for Old People.
Reflecting on her journey, Eastway shares a mantra for those seeking to expand their fields: “Stay passionately persistent and patient. The entrepreneurial path isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
To learn more about Eastway’s work with eco gerontology, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website and join the growing Care Outdoors Movement! Earn CEUs and a Care Outdoors Leadership Certificate. Become a part of the emerging field of Eco Gerontology.
