Abstract
Addressing the increasing desire of older adults to age in place and the limitations of traditional health and social care, the UHN NORC Program seeks to transform Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) into vibrant, self-supported communities through catalyzing resident volunteers, providing mentorship and coaching, and increasing access to the right service providers. This initiative aligns with the conference theme of ""Engaging Communities,"" as it reflects a grassroots movement for change led from within the community, incorporating local knowledge and lived experience, promoting self-management, and empowering people to advocate for their own health needs.
The NORC Program from the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, primarily targets older adults residing in NORC buildings, defined as regular residential high-rise buildings with a concentration of 30% or more older adults (65+). Program facilitators work alongside resident ‘Ambassadors’, building their capacity to take an active role in developing and sustaining a mutually supportive, aging in place community in their own building. Ambassadors undergo training in relational care, community development and participatory design and are supported through monthly meetings that follow a structured curriculum, emphasizing starting, doing, and sustaining community initiatives. The program connects NORC Ambassadors with local service providers who can deliver in-building social, health, and wellness programming based on resident interests and needs. Post-program, Ambassadors join an alumni network for continued support and learning.
The program emphasizes resilience, flexibility, and community support, showcasing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation alongside older adults and community leaders. The program's success criteria include (1) building and strengthening informal support networks for aging in place, (2) creating social connections and reducing loneliness, (3) developing local older adult leadership and enhancing self-determination over activities, and (4) instilling a sense of ownership among older adults for aging in place initiatives. Personal and public involvement (PPI) is integral, with older adults actively participating in the design and implementation of NORC programming in their own communities and playing an essential role on the program advisory committee.
This paper explores the opportunity NORC Programs present, showcasing their potential to transform regular high-rise buildings into connected, supportive environments for aging in place and facilitating continued care closer to home. It delves into the successes and challenges of implementation, highlighting positive cultural shifts, increased community engagement, and improved well-being among participants. Challenges include reaching frailer, isolated residents, potential Ambassador burnout, and the need for clearer engagement strategies for younger generations.
The UHN NORC Program has been iterating and maturing its curriculum since 2019 and with more than 25 Ambassador groups representing ~4,000 older adults in Toronto, Canada’s most diverse urban centre. With representation from across the city, including different cultures and income levels, the Program is a model for fostering sustainable aging in place through community engagement and offers a roadmap for how to shift power to people and communities to create lasting, positive change. The paper invites international collaboration and knowledge-sharing to refine and expand this innovative approach, contributing to advancing integrated care and community engagement globally.