1. Objectives. It is declared that, in keeping with the traditional American concept of the inherent dignity of the individual in our society, the older people of our State are entitled to, and it is the joint and several duty of the individual, the individual's family, relatives and friends; the community and private agencies of the community; and the governments of the political subdivisions of this State, the State of Maine and the United States of America to assist our older people to secure equal opportunity to full and free enjoyment of the following objectives: A. An adequate income in retirement in accordance with the American standard of living; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] B. The best possible physical and mental health that science can make available and without regard to economic status; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §210 (COR).] C. Suitable housing, independently selected, designed and located with reference to special needs and available at costs that older citizens can afford; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §210 (COR).] D. Full restorative services for those who require institutional care; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] E. Opportunity for employment with no discriminatory personnel practices because of age; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] F. Retirement in health, honor and dignity after years of contribution to the economy; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] G. Pursuit of a meaningful life within the widest range of civic, cultural, and recreational opportunities; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] H. Efficient community services, including access to low-cost transportation, that provide social assistance in a coordinated manner and that are readily available when needed; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §210 (COR).] I. Immediate benefit from proven research knowledge that can sustain and improve health and happiness; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §210 (COR).] J. Freedom, independence and the free exercise of individual initiative in planning and managing their own lives. [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §210 (COR).] 2. Purpose. It is further declared that thousands of older people in this State are suffering unnecessary harm from the lack of adequate services. It is therefore the purpose of this Act, in support of the above objectives, to: A. Make available programs which include a full range of health, education and social services to our older citizens who need them; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] B. Give full and special consideration to older citizens with special needs in planning such programs and, pending the availability of such programs for all older citizens, give priority to the elderly with the greatest economic and social need; [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] C. Provide programs which will assure the coordinated and effective delivery of a full range of essential services to our older citizens and, where applicable, also furnish meaningful employment opportunities for many individuals, including older persons, young persons and volunteers from the community; and [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] D. Insure that the planning and operation of such programs will be undertaken as a partnership of older citizens, families, community leaders, private agencies and community, state and local governments, with appropriate assistance as available from the Federal Government. [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1973, c. 630, §1 (NEW).]
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