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Academic English

“Senior Citizens”

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Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
difficult senior citizens man 02:48

Pre-Listening Exercise

What are the greatest issues facing senior citizens in the future in your country?

Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

  1. Seniors are happier living near family than in assisted living communities.
  2. Assisted living homes offer better care than family members can provide.
  3. People should start planning for senior care in their 40s or 50s.
  4. Living alone in old age is dangerous.
  5. Seniors who stay socially active live longer and healthier lives.
  6. Technology is making life easier for many older adults.
  7. Exercise is just as important for seniors as it is for young people.
  8. Many seniors feel more independent in assisted living than living with family.
  9. Growing old in your own home is the best option for everyone.
  10. Senior citizens are often forgotten or ignored by society.

Idioms

“touch and go” = critical situation where something bad might happen
“It was touch and go for a few days after the accident, but I think my grandfather is going to be okay.”

“hand to mouth” = with barely enough money to live and buy food
“Some seniors live hand to mouth every month because they lack a steady source of income.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

One of the growing concerns around the world is the aging population of seniors and how to care for them in the future. At the same time, many seniors want control over their own futures and want to live comfortably during their golden years. Now, there are a growing number of assisted living centers for seniors in some areas of the world. However, do most people rather live with family in their latter years or take care of themselves in a senior citizen center? How does your culture view the care of the elderly?

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