Community Aging Initiatives and Social Capital

Abstract

This study aimed to develop theory on how Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) Supportive Service Programs potentially transform social relationships within communities to promote aging in place. Data were analyzed from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 lead agencies representing 15 NORC programs in New Jersey. Results indicated that professionals seek to infuse capital within three domains of relationships: lead agency staff's relationships with older adults, formal service providers' relationships with each other, and older adults' relationships with each other. This social capital potentially enhances the amount of community-based services and supports within a residential area, as well as their accessibility, appropriateness, responsiveness, and coherence.

Support from Neighbors and Aging in Place: Can NORC Programs Make a Difference?

“…Although NORC programs were not developed as "neighbors helping neighbors" programs per se, the model does seek to strengthen various relationships within a community, including older adults' relationships with each other and with their broader community (Greenfield, 2014). A distinguishing characteristic of NORC programs is their focus on older adults as not just passive service recipients, but rather as active contributors to their own and others' well-being (Bookman, 2008).…”

Factors Associated With Preferences for Institutionalized Care in Elderly Persons

“…In the present study, the willingness to move into a NH (vs. preferring to be cared for at home) was examined in relation to two hypothetical situations: becoming permanently disabled and being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whereas "aging in place"-meaning, residing in the community in old age is considered a desirable aging trajectory, and ample body of research was directed at examining enabling factors associated with the opportunity to age in place and studying the formation of supportive communities (e.g., Greenfield, 2014;Lehning, Smith, & Dunkle, 2013;Merrill & Hunt, 1990), severe situations, such as receiving a terminal diagnosis, might "tip the scales" and increase the willingness to choose NH placement over aging in place. Also, severe situation, where independence might be lost, might leave little choice but to accept NH placement.…”

Relationship between Social Support Networks and Physical Functioning in Older Community-Dwelling Mexicans

“…In this context, the SSNs especially the family, and community self-help groups framed in a model of active aging, could be a determinant capital social for achieving healthy aging [ 21 ].…”