The NORC Supportive Services Model: The Role of Social Capital in Community Aging Initiatives

Abstract

Access to community-based programs and services that address housing, physical and emotional health, well-being, and social interaction is essential in order to achieve a goodness of fit between adults and their environment as they transition into late adulthood. Social capital can be used to facilitate and nurture the relationships necessary to create community features that collectively benefit residents. This article describes how the social capital features of the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) supportive services model that can be used to enhance the viability of community aging initiatives. Implications for civic engagement and participation among older adults are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• social capital
• community/civic engagement
• strategic alliances or partnerships
• citizen participation
• community capacity building
• needs assessment