children __4__ and learn new things makes us feel proud. For Americans, like people in most cultures, growing up is a wonderful process. But growing old? That's a(n) __5__ story.

　　 __6__ old is not exactly pleasant for people in youthoriented (以年轻人为中心) American culture. Most Americans like to look young, act young and feel young. As the old saying __7__， "You're as young as you feel." Older people joke about how many years young they are, __8__ how many years old. People in some countries __9__ the aged as a source of __10__ and wisdom. But Americans seem to favor those that are young, or at least "young at __11__"．

　　Many older Americans find the "golden years" to be anything but golden. Economically, "senior citizens" often struggle just to get by. Retirement at age 65 brings a sharp __12__ in personal income. Social security benefits usually cannot __13__ the difference. Older people may __14__ from poor nutrition, medical care and housing. Some even experience age discrimination (歧视). In 1987, American sociologist Pat Moore __15__ up like an older person and wandered city streets. She was often treated __16__ - even cheated and robbed. However, dressed as a young person, she __17__ much more respect.

　　Unfortunately, the __18__ population in America is increasing fast. Why? People are living longer. __19__ babies are being born. And middle­aged "baby borners" are rapidly entering the groups of the elderly. America may soon be a place __20__ wrinkles (皱纹) are "in". Marketing experts are already noticing this group of consumers.

　　1．A.congratulate　B．celebrate

　　C．honor D．remember

　　2．A.Except B．Except for

　　C．Besides D．In addition

　　3．A.wiser B．wise

　　C．later D．late

　　4．A.leave B．go

　　C．develop D．study

　　5．A.same B．different

　　C．interesting D．interested

　　6．A.Kept B．Growing

　　C．Keeping D．Grown

　　7．A.talks B．speaks

　　C．goes D．tells

　　8．A.other than B．rather than

　　C．as well D．but

9．A.value B．expect