Ten years after the Commission on Aging--ideas and results

During the years 1979-82, the Commission on Aging scrutinised public measures relating to the elderly and recommended adherence to the principles of continuity, self determination and use of own resources in future aging policy. A central point in the Commission's perception of aging was that a number of functional impairments previously considered exclusively a reflection of the biological aging processes were now seen as equally induced by loss of roles and social functions. The renewal of structures and development work carried out throughout the country are based on these principles, integrating social and psychological considerations. Work is also based on the Report on the Public Sector (1988) which recommends enhancement of social networks and self-help capabilities of the old as well as new forms of cooperation between the public sector and citizens. Self determination and self control have become new key words in current aging policy. The new policy is not only induced by financial pressure on the public sector, but equally to the realisation that many social tasks are best solved in cooperation with individuals. The renewal of aging policy is also adapted to the new generations of elderly people, who want freer lifestyles and more options than many of the old have today. They will very likely be more mobile and make more demands for their life. They have been accustomed to creating networks and cross-contacts, as their jobs and interests have required it, and their health and financial circumstances will frequently be better than those of the elderly generation today.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)