Structural Features and Implications of Older Adult–Oriented Housing Services in Japan: Evidence from the Narakita NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) Case Operated by Abilities

This study investigates the structure of housing services for older adults in a NORC-based housing complex in Japan and examines its implications for large-scale apartment NORCs in Korea. The analysis focuses on the Narakita Housing Complex, where a private welfare organization offers integrated services such as home modifications, care management, day-care services, and mobility support. Employing a case study approach that includes field observations, interviews, and document analysis, the research identifies home modifications of individual dwelling units as a crucial element for facilitating safe aging in place, especially in high-risk areas like bathrooms and entryways. These interventions are closely associated with on-site service hubs and community-based care services, creating a multi-layered safety net within the housing complex. Considering the owner-occupied housing context in Korea, the study recommends a consultation-based, fee-for-service model for home modifications, coupled with shared service hubs, emphasizing the potential of public rental housing as a pilot setting for NORC initiatives.