when older people become senile or too weak and i11 to care for themselves.they create grave problems for their families.In the past and in some traditional cultures.they would be cared for at home until they died.Today,with most members of a household working or in sch001.There is often no one at home who can care for a sick or weak person.To meet this need ,a great many nursing homes and convalescent hospitals。have been built.These are often profit.Making organizations,’although some are sponsored by religious and other nonprofit groups.While a few of these institutions are good.most of them are simply “dumping grounds” for the dying in which ‘‘care” is given by poorly paid、overworked,and under skilled personnel.
练习:
1.The writer believes that the population explosion results from
A) an increase in birthrates.
B) the industrial development.
C) a decrease in death rates.
D) cultural advances.
2.It can be inferred from the passage that in hunting and gathering cultures
A) it was a moral responsibility to keep old-aged people alive.
B) infants could be left dead in times of starvation.
C) parents had to impart the cultural wisdom of the tribe to their children.
D) death was considered to be freedom from hardships.
3.According to the passage,which of the following statements about retired people in the United States is true?
A) Many of them have a very hard life.
B) They cannot live a decent life without enough bank savings.
C) They rely mainly on their children for financial support.
D) Most of them live with their children and therefore are well looked after.