How old is “old”? The United Nations describes any person over the age of 60 as old. ____1____ In many cultures, people in their fifties or sixties may already be seen as elderly, while in others, old age begins much later. Elderly people are treated differently in different countries.

In countries such as the US and the UK, most old people prefer to live independently. ____2____ Governments provide health care and community services to support the elderly. While they are respected, modern western culture stresses the importance of youth. ____3____ Old age is often connected with a person becoming less active or less independent. In addition, some people are afraid of growing old. They fear that they will be lonely and bored.

____4____ In Korea, for example, the 60th and 70th birthdays are two of the most important. These birthdays are the cause for family celebration. In India the elderly are respected for their wisdom. Respecting the elderly is a deep-rooted tradition in Chinese culture. Special festivals like the Double Ninth Festival remind people to honor them.

Although there are differences, treating the elderly with kindness, respect and care is a common value. ____5____ Helping elderly people live healthily and happily becomes even more important.

A. The world’s population is growing old.

B. In other countries old age is celebrated.

C. They value their freedom and personal space.

D. Growing old is not regarded as a positive life event.

E. The elderly teach the young their duties and manners.

F. Around the world there is no single universal standard.

1.1.

A

B

C

D

解析：选F。F 前句联合国把 60 岁以上定义为老年人；后句：在很多文化里五六十岁就算老年，另一些地方老年起始年龄更晚。说明全世界没有统一标准，承上启下。

2.2.

A

B

C

D

解析：选C。C 前句：英美大多数老人更喜欢独立生活。They 指代 old people；C 句 “他们看重自由与个人空间”，解释为什么想要独居。

3.3.

A

B

C

D

解析：选D。D 前文西方文化看重年轻；后文老年常常和活力下降、不能独立挂钩，有些人害怕变老。说明变老并不被看作一件好事。

4.4.

A

B

C

D

解析：选B。B 上段讲西方对老年的看法；本段举例韩国会隆重庆祝六十大寿、七十大寿，印度敬重长者智慧，中国重阳节敬老。转到另一些国家，老年是值得庆祝的。

5.5.

A

B

C

D

解析：选A。A 结尾句。虽然各国看法不同，但善待老人是共同价值观。世界人口正在老龄化，所以帮助老人健康快乐生活变得更加重要。