A career dedicated to helping people live with greater strength, independence and possibility
What does it mean to be an AGEFLUENCER?
An AGEFLUENCER is someone who uses their voice, experience and perspective to challenge outdated perceptions of aging and help redefine what it means to grow older. By sharing their insights and life lessons, and through the example they set for others, AGEFLUENCERS embrace both the realities and the gifts of aging, celebrate life at every stage, and inspire others to approach their own aging journey with purpose, passion and a sense of possibility.
For nearly three decades at Eastmont, Mark Sunderman has done exactly that.
As he begins his retirement, we celebrate not only a remarkable career in geriatric rehabilitation, but a person whose life’s work has helped older adults continue moving forward with confidence, independence and purpose.
Mark Sunderman’s journey in physical therapy began with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science from Doane College, followed by graduation from the Physical Therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1984. He joined Eastmont as a physical therapist in 1997 and became a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist.
Throughout his career, his focus remained on enhancing mobility, independence and well-being for older adults. As Director of Rehabilitation, he helped develop Eastmont’s comprehensive in-house therapy program, expanding services to include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology for residents as well as people throughout the greater Lincoln community.
He supported the growth of outpatient rehabilitation, introduced therapy programs, championed weekly exercise classes and oversaw fitness centers designed to help residents maintain active, healthy lifestyles. He also remained directly involved in resident care, interdisciplinary collaboration and fall-prevention efforts.
Taken together, his career reflects something at the heart of being an AGEFLUENCER: seeing aging not simply through the lens of limitation, but through the possibilities that remain at every stage of life.
Mark Sunderman’s impact wasn’t confined to his profession.
Over the years, he supported the Eastmont Foundation through the Golf Classic, serving on planning committees, sponsoring teams and promoting fundraising efforts. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, participated in community initiatives including Taylor Park clean-up projects, and remained involved with professional organizations including the American Physical Therapy Association and LeadingAge.
But perhaps his greatest influence can be found in the people around him. At Eastmont, he has been known as a trusted colleague, compassionate advocate, mentor, leader and friend whose professionalism, kindness and commitment to older adults have touched residents, families, team members and community partners.
That is influence in its most meaningful form.
At Transforming Age, we believe the way we talk about and experience aging matters. An AGEFLUENCER challenges assumptions, helps change the narrative around aging and encourages people to embrace the journey with passion and a sense of possibility.
Mark Sunderman’s career is a wonderful example.
For nearly 30 years at Eastmont, he has helped people focus on what they can do, supported their independence and well-being, and dedicated himself to creating opportunities for people to keep moving, participating and living fully. [transformingage.org]
As Mark Sunderman begins his next chapter, we celebrate him not only for the career he built, but for the example he leaves behind.
Thank you, Mark Sunderman, for your decades of service, leadership and advocacy, and for showing us what it means to be an AGEFLUENCER.