findings and policy

findings and policy Sec. 202. (a) The Congress finds that— (1) the number of individuals fifty-five years of age or older was approximately 43,000,000 in 1976, and will, by the end of this century, be over 57,000,000; 92 STAT. 1552 (2) nearly 5,200,000 individuals fifty-five years of age or older had incomes below the poverty level in 1976, as determined by the Federal Government; (3) there is a great need to improve the economic well-being of older individuals; (4) there is a great need to make comprehensive and quality health care more readily available to older individuals; (5) there is a great need for expanding the availability of suitable and reasonably priced housing for older individuals, together with services needed for independent or semi-independent living; (6) there is a great need for a more comprehensive and effective social service delivery system for older individuals; (7) there is a great need for a more comprehensive long-term care policy responsive to the needs of older patients and their families; (8) there is a great need to promote greater employment opportunities for middle-aged and older individuals who want or need to work; (9) there is a great need to develop a national retirement policy that contributes to the fulfillment, dignity, and satisfaction of retirement years for older individuals; (10) there is a great need for a national policy with respect to increasing, coordinating, and expediting biomedical and other appropriate research directed at determining the causes of the aging process; and (11) false stereotypes about aging and the process of aging are prevalent throughout the Nation and policies should be developed to overcome such stereotypes. (b)(1) It is the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work jointly with the States and their citizens to develop recommendations and plans for action to meet the challenges and needs of older individuals, consistent with the objectives of this title. (2) In developing programs for the aging pursuant to this title, emphasis should be placed upon the right and obligation of older individuals to free choice and self-help in planning their own futures.