Connect with older adult neighbours (NORCs)

Some buildings and neighbourhoods are home to many older adults. These are called Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities – NORCs.

The city can provide free support and resources to help people in these communities connect and age at home.

On this page:

What is a NORC

A NORC community forms naturally when many older adults live in the same building or neighbourhood.

These are not retirement homes or senior living centres. They are everyday communities where neighbours are aging in place.

In some of these communities, residents work with the city to organize activities and build connections.

Residents organize activities and build connections. They work together to develop programs that support their community's wellbeing.

These programs help people:

The city's neighbourhoods team supports NORC communities by:

Activities depend on what residents want in their community.

Examples include:

Some buildings and neighbourhoods already have activities for seniors.

Check your location on the Find your NORC community page to find out what's available.

If your building does not have a program, you can help get one started:

Explore these resources to learn more:

The city also offers services that support aging in place, including:

Find housing, health services, activities and support in the Ageing Well Directory.

Visit the Senior Services page to learn more.

If you would like to start or join a program in your building or neighbourhood, email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.

Need help from the Neighbourhoods Team?