The aging of New York State's population poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the major institutions of society. The challenge facing educators is to develop a comprehensive strategy to mobilize the capacity of the educational system to address the multiple needs of an aging population in the context of existing social and economic conditions. This paper presents six major policy directions for the coordination and development of programs for the elderly: (1) provide education and training opportunities for older persons; (2) enhance the coordination of services for the elderly; (3) involve the elderly as active participants in society; (4) educate students at all levels about aging; (5) train needed professional, paraprofessional, and informal service providers for older persons; and (6) increase the research potential of postsecondary institutions to address the needs of the elderly. The policy statement suggests a number of program options to implement each policy direction. These recommendations address the need to establish a New York State Clearinghouse on Aging, a loan and fellowship program in gerontology and geriatrics, special state aid for services to the elderly, and development and dissemination of model programs for the elderly. Appendixes to the report provide statistics on the elderly population; list major organizations, geriatric and gerontological centers, and Area Agencies on Aging that are part of the service network for older persons; and give references. (KC)