Focuses on aging in place; provides examples of states working with local governments combining housing and health services for older adults. Case studies highlight several naturally occurring retirement communities in Atlanta (GA), Penn South NORC, and Florida’s Elder Community Program.
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Background
Background resources include those that provide a conceptual overview, or review or summarize research evidence.
Citation: Lawler K. Aging in Place: Coordinating Housing and Health Care Provision for America’s Growing Elderly Population. Joint Center for Housing, Studies of Harvard University and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. 2001.
Instructive, easy-to-read resource with brief chapters on community engagement, home and community features, transportation and mobility issues. Recommendations for social change along with policy implications to accomplish the goal of livable communities for persons of all ages and abilities.
Citation: Kochera A, Straight A, and Guterbock T. Beyond 50.05: A Report to the Nation on Livable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging. AARP Public Policy Institute and University of Virginia, May 2005.
Presentation on function-environment fit, policy and practice implications, and research needed. Examples of factors: social connectedness and access to healthy food. Key question: is the environment enabling or constraining?
Citation: Hunter RH, Satariano W, Kruger J, Bryant L, and Healthy Aging Research Network. Community Environmental Factors Supporting Healthy Aging. Chapel Hill, NC. Promoting Environmental and Policy Change to Support Healthy Aging Research to Practice Conference. 2009.
Focuses on the effect of land-use decisions and urban sprawl on air quality and respiratory health and urban design’s effect on pedestrian injuries and deaths. Highlights some of the environmental barriers that face older adults and those with disabilities, and discusses approaches available to communities to reduce preventable outbreaks of disease and improve overall quality of life.
Citation: Jackson RJ, Kochtitzky C. Creating a Healthy Environment: The Impact of the Built Environment on Public Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA. 2001.
General document outlining the main descriptions of the public health system, how public health is structured, public health officials and public health, and preparing for public health emergencies.
Citation: National League of Cities, National Association of City, and County Health Officials. Promoting and Protecting Healthy Communities: A City Officials Guide to Public Health. Washington, DC. 2010.
Highlights the importance of incorporating the concerns of an aging population into Smart Growth principles, such as health, housing and transportation options, and flexibility, all important considerations in promoting older adults’ health, mobility, and quality of life. Provides a good overview of how conventional urban design creates barriers to older adults’ independence, and stresses the importance of engaging older adults in the planning process.
Citation: International City and County Management Association. Smart Growth Issue Summary: Aging in Place and Smart Growth. Washington, DC. 2005.
Features the NORC conceptual model, a review of the literature, interviews with experts, and case study findings associated with NORCs in Baltimore (MD), Cleveland (OH), Philadelphia (PA), Pittsburgh (PA), and St. Louis (MO).
Citation: Ormond BA, Black KJ, Tilly J, and Thomas S. Supportive Services Programs in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities. Washington, DC. Urban Institute. 2004.
Excellent chart outlining the definition, community resources, NORC formation and structure, service program, funding, and outcomes associated with NORCs in Baltimore (MD), Cleveland (OH), Philadelphia (PA), Pittsburgh (PA), and St. Louis (MO).
Citation: Ormond BA, Black KJ, Tilly J, and Thomas S. Supportive Services Programs in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, Appendix 3: Comparison of the Conceptual Model by NORC Sites. Washington, DC. Urban Institute. 2004.
Outlines NORCs’ core components, ancillary services, partnerships, and importance of service coordination. Portrays a unique alternative for older adults to age in place and access services that promote healthy aging in a community setting.
Citation: Jewish Federations of North America, Inc. NORC Aging in Place Initiative: What is a NORC SSP?. New York, NY, 2010.