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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 3001. Congressional declaration of objectives
The Congress hereby finds and declares that, in keeping with the
traditional American concept of the inherent dignity of the
individual in our democratic society, the older people of our
Nation are entitled to, and it is the joint and several duty and
responsibility of the governments of the United States, of the
several States and their political subdivisions, and of Indian
tribes to assist our older people to secure equal opportunity to
the full and free enjoyment of the following objectives:
(1) An adequate income in retirement in accordance with the
American standard of living.
(2) The best possible physical and mental health which science
can make available and without regard to economic status.
(3) Obtaining and maintaining suitable housing, independently
selected, designed and located with reference to special needs
and available at costs which older citizens can afford.
(4) Full restoration services for those who require
institutional care, and a comprehensive array of community-based,
long-term care services adequate to appropriately sustain older
people in their communities and in their homes, including support
to family members and other persons providing voluntary care to
older individuals needing long-term care services.
(5) Opportunity for employment with no discriminatory personnel
practices because of age.
(6) Retirement in health, honor, dignity - after years of
contribution to the economy.
(7) Participating in and contributing to meaningful activity
within the widest range of civic, cultural, education and
training and recreational opportunities.
(8) Efficient community services, including access to low-cost
transportation, which provide a choice in supported living
arrangements and social assistance in a coordinated manner and
which are readily available when needed, with emphasis on
maintaining a continuum of care for vulnerable older individuals.
(9) Immediate benefit from proven research knowledge which can
sustain and improve health and happiness.
(10) Freedom, independence, and the free exercise of individual
initiative in planning and managing their own lives, full
participation in the planning and operation of community-based
services and programs provided for their benefit, and protection
against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
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