(Springer Verlag, 2011) Guo, Kristina L.; Castillo, Richard J.
The current U.S. health and long term care systems are inadequately
prepared to meet the diverse and changing needs of the rapidly growing senior
population. This paper describes the importance of naturally occurring retirement
communities (NORCs) to promote the health and mental well being of older
individuals through the collaborative efforts of formal and informal home and
community based services and support. NORCs are considered a crucial model for
aging in place since older adults prefer to remain in the comfort of their homes, and
services can be provided in a much more efficient and cost effective manner. This
paper examines the strengths, opportunities, and challenges of existing NORCs and
discusses the need for the development and expansion of additional NORC programs
as an innovative and viable solution for older adults aging in place.