NORC is an acronym for a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community -- that is, a community with a large proportion of older people, all living within a defined geographic area. Unlike traditional retirement communities created specifically as destinations for retirees who make an active decision to join the community, NORCs come about by default with the aging of a population that has lived in a neighborhood for decades. A NORC is defined as including not only housing complexes and free standing homes, but also the associated commercial, community, worship, transportation and health resources that the community relies upon. (Source: 2004 U.S. HHS report "Supportive Services Programs in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.")
The identification of NORCs as distinct service targets began withJewish social service organizations in several urban areas. In the mid-1980s UJA Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York began targeting health and social services to clients who were living in market rate apartment buildings in New York City where older adults were the predominant residents. These buildings became known as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs). Through this effort a new paradigm of community-based social services was derived: the NORC-Supportive Services Program (NORC-SSP). The model promotes healthy aging, independence and community building through a multifaceted approach. The key elements consist of case management and social work services; transportation; health care management and prevention programs; education, socialization, and recreational activities; and volunteer opportunities for program paricipants and the community. (Drawn from the website of the NORC Aging in Place Initiative.)
Comments