New York City
In New York City, Living Healthy and Active Choices programs will be implemented by a partnership of the New York City Department of Aging with five local Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs).
A NORC is an apartment building or housing complex that even though it was not specifically built for the elderly, it now contains a high concentration of seniors as a result of its long-term residents aging in place. A neighborhood NORC occurs when there are more than twice the usual number of aging people in a neighborhood. To remain in the community, many of these older residents now need support services. Such support services are often provided through a NORC supportive service program (NORC-SSP) — a collaborative partnership often involving the housing entity, health care providers, social service agencies, government agencies, and private philanthropies. NORC-SSPs can provide a wide array of “on-site” social and health care services (including such programs as Living Healthy and Active Choices) to well and frail elderly residents. NORC related activities qualify for State funding if households headed by a person aged 60 comprise 50% or more of the total number of households or the site has at least 2,500 residents that meet this age requirement.
To address the ethnic diversity found in New York City, both Living Healthy and Active Choices will be offered in Spanish as well as English. Although similar to the English version as far as the format of the workshop, the Spanish version of Living Healthy was developed separately by Stanford University. Subjects covered are presented in ways that are culturally appropriate and more relevant for Spanish speaking participants. Workshops given in Spanish will be given without translators.
Active Choices will also provide Spanish speakers as Activity Coaches, working with participants in the development of an individualized plan that is appropriate for their needs.
Please contact:
Robin Fenley
New York City Department for the Aging
RFenley@aging.nyc.gov