Designing your retirement lifestyle: how NORCs support aging in place

When most people think about retirement planning, they picture investment accounts, income strategies, and tax planning. But that’s only part of the picture. A great retirement plan also considers what your life will look like: the community you’ll be part of, the support you’ll have, and how you’ll continue to live with independence and purpose.

That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on an emerging concept in Canada: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs).

What is a NORC?

A NORC isn’t a retirement home. It’s an existing building, street, or neighborhood where a high percentage of residents are older adults, often 30% or more. Over time, these communities form naturally as people age in place and new residents move in.

These settings can be:

• Vertical NORCs: Apartment or condo buildings
• Horizontal NORCs: Neighborhoods or housing complexes
   

A 2023 study by Healthcare Excellence Canada in partnership with the NORC Innovation Centre at University Health Network identified more than 1,400 NORC buildings in Canada.¹ These buildings offer a chance to bring services, social programs, and health supports right to where people already live.

Two models, one goal

When it comes to NORCs in Canada, the University Health Network’s NORC Innovation Centre is piloting two approaches:

• Ambassador model. This is where NORC residents volunteer as “ambassadors” to help shape and run wellness, education, and social activities within their building or neighbourhood.
• Staffed model. Beyond having resident ambassadors, this model adds on-site coordinators and care teams to provide health and social services for those with higher needs.
   

Both share the same purpose: helping people live well in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Why NORCs matter for retirement planning

The NORC approach fits with what many retirees value most:

• Flexibility: Staying where you choose, in surroundings you know.
• Dignity: Remaining independent, with support that adapts as your needs change.
• Community: Staying connected to friends and neighbours, which research shows improves overall health.²
   

From our perspective, NORCs also highlight an important truth: retirement planning isn’t just about funding your lifestyle. It’s about designing it.

That means thinking ahead about where you’ll live, how you’ll access support, and what will keep you engaged and connected in later years.

Benefits beyond the numbers

When you live in a community with built-in supports, you can:

• Reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness
• Access programs and services without major moves
• Stay healthier, which can help protect your finances over time
• Maintain a sense of purpose and belonging
   

These benefits can be just as valuable as a strong investment plan, and in many cases, they work hand in hand.

What this means for you

If you’re approaching retirement, it’s worth asking yourself:

Is my current community somewhere I can see myself living comfortably for the next 20 years?

Are there already networks or services that support older adults?

If my needs change, will I still be able to stay here?

Our role is to help you prepare for both the financial side and the lifestyle side of retirement. That means creating an income strategy, protecting against risks, and exploring options like NORCs that can help you age in place with confidence.

Because in the end, a great retirement plan isn’t just about making your money last. It’s about making sure your quality of life lasts, too.

Sources

1. Enabling aging in place promising practices: Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs). October 27, 2023. Healthcare Excellence Canada. https://www.healthcareexcellence.ca/media/noubvdoa/cs_norcs_accessible_eng.pdf.  
    
2. Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death. June 30, 2025. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death.