(a) The department shall constitute the designated state agency to handle all programs of the federal government relating to the aging and requiring acts within the state which are not the specific responsibility of another state agency under provisions of federal or state law. Authority is conferred upon the department to accept and disburse any funds available or which might become available pursuant to the purposes set out in this article.

(b) The department shall study, investigate, promote, plan, and execute a program to meet the present and future needs of aging citizens of the state; and it shall receive the cooperation of all other state departments and agencies in carrying out a coordinated program.

(c) It shall also be the duty of the department to encourage and assist in the development of programs for the aging in the counties, towns, and cities of this state. It shall consult and cooperate with public and private agencies, with county and municipal officers and agencies, and with any federal or state agency or officer for the purpose of promoting coordination between state and local plans and programs and between state and interstate plans and programs for the aging.