ATTACHMENT 2

Orange County, North Carolina

Proposed –Sept 19, 2006

A Bill of Rights

For Public Comment
for Older Persons

   Preamble: Orange County citizens of all ages have the ultimate responsibility to be or become self-reliant, to care for their families, to aid their neighbors and to plan prudently for their old age.  Older persons have the responsibility to make available to the community the benefits of their experience and knowledge.  Society, be it through the institutions of the public or the private sector, has the responsibility to assist citizens to be prepared for their later years, as well as to assist directly other older persons who for one reason or another, cannot cope with the burden of increasing physical, mental, social and environmental debilities.

Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, subscribe to the following basic human rights for older persons in Orange County, North Carolina based on founding principles of our state and nation.

I. The Right To Freedom, Independence And The Free Exercise Of Individual Initiative

II. The Right To An Income In Retirement Which Would Provide An Adequate Standard Of Living

III. The Right To An Opportunity For Employment Free From Discriminatory Practices Because Of Age

IV. The Right To An Opportunity To Participate In The Widest Range Of Meaningful Civic, Educational, Recreational And Cultural Activities

V. The Right To Suitable Housing

VI. The Right To The Best Level Of Physical And Mental Health Services Needed

VII. The Right To Ready Access To Effective Social Services

VIII. The Right To Appropriate Institutional Care When Required

IX. The Right To A Life And Death With Dignity

   We, the Board of County Commissioners,  pledge the resources of Orange County to advocate for these rights for all older persons regardless of race, color, creed, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation or national origin, with the caution that the complexities of our society be monitored, to assure that the fulfillment of one right does not nullify the benefits received as the result of another entitlement.  We further dedicate the technology and human skill of Orange County so that later life will be marked in liberty with the realization of the pursuit of happiness.

Proposed adoption- November, 2006

(Adapted from the Federal Council on the Aging’s Bicentennial Charter for Older Americans, January, 1976)