If someone asked you, “What’s a naturally occurring retirement community?” what would you say? Even if you don’t know, your guess would probably be right.
Basically, NORCs grow out of areas where a bunch of people are remaining in their own homes as they age, explains The Associated Press in a profile of one New Jersey NORC. The community can then organize, and residents can get help accessing services that help them stay in their homes. For example, in the New Jersey NORC:
There’s a transportation network that takes older people on shopping trips and to medical appointments, and the town is benefiting from a $100,000 federal grant to put in place an aging-in-place program called Verona LIVE.
Administrated by United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey, the program strives to educate older people about available services to help them address problems and stay active in the community. Its partners include the health and police departments, the rescue squad, the public and public schools, and religious groups.
The article also talks a little about senior villages, which are similar to NORCs, and even remodeling for aging in place. It’s a catch-all piece that’s lengthy but informative.
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.
