People over the age of 65 in the U.S.A are called senior citizens. Life for these people is different from that for younger Americans. Most senior citizens retire, or no longer work full time. Also it is unusual for people of this age to live with their children and grandchildren. Grandparents tend to live in their own houses or apartments away from their families.

For many senior citizens, the years after 65 are not enjoyable. They feel unproductive when they no longer work. Their lives lose meaning. In addition, they may feel lonely being away from their families and the contacts they had in their work. Moreover, they become more concerned with their health as they grow older. If they live in big cities, they often worry about their safety.

Other senior citizens enjoy their lives. They feel free to do things they were not able to do when they were working and raising families. They now have time to enjoy hobbies and sports and travel. They associate with their fellow senior citizens who have common interests and equal free time. Many senior citizens move to retirement communities located in warm climates. Some senior citizens continue to work beyond retirement age. Many find new careers and professional opportunities after they retire.

The number of senior citizens in the U.S.A is increasing rapidly because people are living longer than before. The average life span for Americans in now more than 74 years. Because of their larger numbers and more active life styles, senior citizens are gaining social influence in the country both politically and economically. Their concerns are receiving a wider audience than ever before. The time may come when all Americans will look forward to becoming senior citizens.

31. Many senior citizen   ________ .

A. are enjoyable

B. live together with their families

C. feel unproductive, lonely and unsafe

D. feel safe in big cities

32. Senior citizens are gaining social influence because ________.

A. the number of senior citizens is growing and because senior citizens are more active

B. senior citizens have experience

C. their average life span is longer

D. they do more work now

33. Implied but not stated:   ________.

A. Most of American senior citizens have lived a lonely and unhappy life

B. They have played an important part in society

C. Like young people, senior citizens can still enjoy everything they like

D. Their average lifespan is becoming longer and longer

Passage 2

The digital revolution, as exemplified by the Internet and electronic commerce, has shaken marketing practices to their core. In a recent paper, Wharton’s Jerry Wind, director of the SEI Center for Advanced Studies in Management, and co-author Vijay Mahajan, a marketing professor at the College of Business Administration of the University of Texas at Austin, examine the impact of digital marketing on concepts like pricing, when customers can propose their own prices (priceline.com), or buyers and sellers can haggle independently in auctions (eBay.com).