Care Outdoors Program Graduate:
"I strongly encourage EVERYONE to take this class!

And, then take ACTION!

This course was very well organized, easy to navigate, engaging, well thought out, and provided a wealth of information and resources to continue our learning. Monica also did an excellent job leading our Online/Live discussions. I would definitely recommend this course to any and all ages that want to learn more about “care outdoors” and how to implement it.

A huge thank you to Monica for the work she is doing and for her inspiration to help others learn and do more in the field of eco-gerontology. P.S. You’re never to old to learn or to start a new beginning."
– Connie Fluegel, MA (Business and Adult Education from the University of Minnesota) and TX (Texan)

Introducing the Pioneering 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 longevity.

Eco Gerontology

'Eco' comes from the Ancient Greek word okios, meaning 'Home'.

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.

Eco Gerontology places our relationship with Nature at the heart of how we understand, support, and design for aging in a Climate-Changing World.

Rooted in the belief that we are an integral part of Nature,

Eco Gerontologists advocate for sustainable livability by fostering reciprocal relationships among people and all our relations on our shared home.

Eco Gerontology recognizes that human wellbeing is inseparable from ecological health and work to co-create community experiences that enable all generations to thrive, physically, socially, and spiritually, within biodiverse, life-supporting ecosystems.

Join the 2026 Wave of Eco Gerontology Leaders

Aging In Harmony with Nature

Email me directly for additional cohort dates

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 our relationship with the natural environment in our efforts to grow harmonious longevity for all.

Numerous research studies underscore how nature-rich places, including biodiverse habitats, green and blue spaces like gardens, small farms, lakes, rivers, beaches, parks, woodlands and meadows,

Promote:

Healthy Longevity
Higher Quality of Life
Brain Health
Reduced Risk of Chronic Health Conditions

However, ecological systems and our relationship with Nature,

are often overlooked in

Age-Friendly policies,

programs and projects.

My pioneering work in Eco Gerontology & Care Outdoors brings deep ecology, the science of Nature Connectedness, and Green Care approaches into learning experiences that are easy to understand, digest, and implement supporting and nurturing our ability to Age, to Live, in Harmony with Nature.

Signature Educational Offerings:

The Care Outdoors Certificate Program
Experiential, evidence-based training that showcases how to lead meaningful outdoor experiences that support wellbeing for people of all ages.

Eco Gerontology: Aging in Harmony with Nature
A pioneering, reflective, seminar-style learning experience exploring aging, Deep Ecology, bioregionalism, regenerative economics, connection with place, interdependence, reciprocity, and our relationship with the natural world.

For more information on upcoming cohorts, organizational leadership experiences and other inquiries: Email

Together, these programs support the Care Outdoors Mission:
Connect All Ages to the Goodness of Our Shared Home

🌱 I advocate for living environments that nurture:

• Access to the Great Outdoors & the Nature Experience Every Day!
• Regeneration
• Biodiversity and Ecological Health
• Safety, Stability, and Belonging
• Meaningful Connection Across Generations
• Equal Opportunities to Develop Skills and Competence
• Collaboration with Shared Purpose
• Capacity to Contribute Across the Lifespan
• Expanding Person-Centered Care by Growing Reciprocal–Shared Care

If you’re interested in Care Outdoors Education, Eco Gerontology, Green Care, and

Aging in Harmony with Nature, you’re in the right place!