• NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities). In a NORC, a neighborhood or apartment building evolves over time to have a large concentration of older adults, who then organize -- generally with the help of a community agency -- to share services and support. By involving older adults in coordinating their own care, a NORC aims to provide not only the kind of services they might find in an assisted-living or other retirement setting but also a sense of community.

Funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, NORCs vary in how they're structured and what they offer, but in most cases a lead agency coordinates services to a particular neighborhood. These services start with healthcare and basic social services and can include everything from financial planning and legal advice to meal delivery and home renovations tailored to aging in place (such as grab bars, access ramps, and additional lighting). Most NORCs also offer members access to social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities in the community, as well as transportation and home healthcare as needed.

The lead agency coordinates with community programs ranging from hospitals and Area Agencies on Aging to local catering and home repair businesses. By allowing older adults to access all of these services with a single phone call, a NORC can simplify things for folks who need extra support but don't want to move.

You can locate and learn more about NORC demonstration sites across the country via the NORC National Initiative website.