Ironically, the elderly population in America is expanding-fast. Why? People are living longer. Fewer babies are being born. And middle-aged "baby boomers" are rapidly entering the ranks of the elderly. America may soon be a place where wrinkles are "in." Marketing experts are already focusing on this growing group of consumers. And even now the elderly have a great deal of political power. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), with over 30 million members, has a strong voice in Washington.
而很不幸偏偏美国老年人口又正在扩增中--很快速地扩增,为什么呢?因为现在的人越来越长命,婴孩的出生却减少,而当初在婴儿潮时出生现在是中年人的很快地就要进入老年阶段了,美国恐怕马上会成为一个皱纹「很流行」的国度。行销专家们已经开始注意这群人口持续增加中的消费者,而这群老年人现今甚至在政治上也相当有力,因为美国退休人员协会拥有超过三千万的会员,对华盛顿具相当的影响力。
Despite the challenges they face, Americans in their "twilight years" generally refuse to give up on life. They find a variety of ways to keep themselves active. To help them stay in shape, they may join mall walkers clubs, fitness programs and even the "Senior Olympics." They can enjoy hours of entertainment at senior centers and adult amusement parks. Many enroll in continuing education programs to maintain their mental skills.
纵然他们遭遇挑战,处在迟暮之年的美国老年人通常还是不愿意放弃他们的生活,他们寻求各种不同的方法使自己更有活力,为了保持强健的身体状况,他们参加购物中心的竞走俱乐部、健身课程、甚至奥林匹克老人运动会。他们可以在老人中心和成人公园里逍遥好几个小时,许多人报名参加延伸制教育以维续他们的心智技能。
☆关于年轻人与老年人:
The young live in the present rather than in the past or future.
The young should feel grateful to the older generation, who has created a good life for them.
The older generation fought in the two world wars. They faced real problems, but the young have an easier life.