With 30 programs for seniors slated for this month alone, Silver Spring's University Towers remains the strongest pillar in a local social experiment known as NORCs.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are found all over the country, but five properties in Montgomery County have won federal and county funding for on-site services and transportation. A constellation of Jewish agencies, under the name of Community Partners, are assembling the pieces that can help the elderly age in place, from help with bathing to field trips and social events.
"It's nice getting together with people in the building that normally you might only see in the elevator or mail room," said Elaine Schlossberg, 74, of the NORC programs.
Retired 11 years, the former AAA administrator attends Wednesday morning discussion groups hosted by Community Partners.
Such programs draw an "enthusiastic" response from many residents, says Barbara Ricks Thompson, 73, a past president at University Towers.
"Those who have been more active have frequently told me, 'You should have gone,' " said Thompson, citing the "very positive impact" on residents.
Another resident, who claims to be younger than many of his neighbors, Phil Sinsky reports sampling the discussion group, an erstwhile walking group and at least one field trip.
"I qualify for the program, but I don't feel like I'm part of the age group," said Sinsky, who declined to give his age. ‹ Paula Amann
