He defined NORCs as neighborhoods and housing developments, originally built for young families, in which 50 percent of the residents are 50 years or older and have aged in place.
Over time, this threshold definition has been adjusted by communities and policymakers to reflect local residential patterns.
[citation needed] NORCs are geographically defined either by the dimensions of an apartment building complex or by the boundaries of a neighborhood.
The community-based programs are often partnerships of housing/neighborhood organizations, residents, health and social service providers, and other community stakeholders.
A hallmark of the NORC program model is its flexibility in identifying and providing the kinds of services needed by the community and the seniors who live there.