declaration of policy

declaration of policy Sec. 102. (a) While the primary responsibility for meeting the challenge and problems of aging is that of the States and communities, all levels of government are involved and must necessarily share responsibility: and it is therefore the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government shall work jointly with the States and their citizens, to develop recommendations and plans for action, consistent with subsection (b) of this section, which will serve the purposes of— (1) assuring middle-aged and older persons equal opportunity with others to engage in gainful employment which they are capable of performing, thereby gaining for our economy the benefits of their skills, experience, and productive capacities; and (2) enabling retired persons to enjoy incomes sufficient for health and for participation in family and community life as self-respecting citizens; and (3) providing housing suited to the needs of older persons and at prices they can afford to pay; and (4) assisting middle-aged and older persons to make the preparation, develop skills and interests, and find social contacts which will make the gift of added years of life a period of reward and satisfaction and avoid unnecessary social costs of premature deterioration and disability; and (5) stepping up research designed to relieve old age of its burdens of sickness, mental breakdown, and social ostracism. (b) It is further declared to be the policy of Congress that in all programs developed there should be emphasis upon the right and obligation of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their own futures.