Fostering Community Connections in Later Life: Perspectives from Men Participating in NORC Supportive Service Programs

Social isolation is a powerful risk factor for health problems in later life, and single men are at especially high risk for isolation because of gendered patterns of social interaction that limit men’s ties outside of marriage. Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Service Programs (NORC programs) aim to enhance the health of all older adults in their catchment areas, in part, by fostering older adults’ social connections with other community members. Despite enthusiasm for this aspect of the model, there has been little investigation of older adults’ experiences with NORC programs. It is especially important for research to consider older adults at risk for social isolation, such as single men, as they might have the most to gain from models such as NORC programs. As part of a larger qualitative study with 42 older adults residing in NORC program catchment areas in New York City (conducted from 2012-2013), this study analyzed data from in-depth interviews with the 12 men in the parent study—half of whom were married. Findings indicated that NORC programs face challenges in engaging these men—especially when single and in poor health—in community activities. However, because NORC programs couple one-on-one services with group activities, in some cases, men’s pre-existing relationships with program staff motivated their participation in group activities. Participants also identified ways in which NORC program staff themselves became notable members of their community-based social networks. Implications for the implementation and evaluation of community efforts to reduce social isolation among older adults at risk are discussed.