A Multidimensional Framework for Examining the Potential of Housing Cooperatives to Promote Aging in Place

NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) programs and senior cohousing are two community-based, sustainable initiatives for aging in place associated with cooperative housing in New York and Spain, which are spreading rapidly as an alternative to institutionalization. This paper examines how NORC programs and senior cohousing support aging in place using a conceptual framework derived from theories on active aging and the ecological model of aging, which suggests specific dimensions to characterize the processes through which these initiatives potentially achieve their goal of promoting healthy, active aging, including aspects of the physical and social environment. Our framework was applied to a selection of case studies from each model, allowing us to conceptualize their strengths and weaknesses as developed in cooperatives in these two contexts. Findings show that NORC programs help older people stay in familiar neighborhoods and take advantage of economies of scale; however, dwellings are not adapted for reduced mobility. Spanish senior cohousing is an affordable and accessible alternative; however, existing communities are relatively isolated. Future research should consider hybrid models that incorporate the characteristics of various initiatives best suited to each context’s housing policies and welfare system.