For many，a traditional retirement (退休) of babysitting grandchildren，golfing and relaxing on the beach is passe.Older people today approach work as an important part of a retirement lifestyle，planning ahead and adding skills even before leaving their current (当前的) jobs.

　　By 2030，the number of Americans 65 and older will grow to 72 million，up from 40.2 million in 2010，according to the United States Census Bureau.To date，many colleges and universities have paid little attention to the educational needs of this population."It makes no sense，however，to have an educational system that ends in the 20s when people are likely to be working into their 80s，" said Laura L．Carstensen，founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity."We need to rethink these things."

　　But now some state universities are starting to offer programs to older students.California's 23 state universities offer tuition­free (免学费的) classes in their Over 60 Program，and in Texas，public colleges and universities have tuition­reduction programs for students 55 or older.Pennsylvania State University's Go­60 program offers tuition­free courses to people who are at least 60 and retired or working less than half time.

　　One­year adult education programs aimed at professionals are also on the increase.The first class of 24 students began their studies last December at the Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute.One of the Stanford participants (参与者) was Jere Brooks King, who took early retirement from Cisco Systems in November 2011 at age 55."Who could refuse the opportunity to explore and learn at Stanford University while you reimagine your next stage in life？" she said.

　　语篇解读　 本文是说明文。文章介绍了现今老年人回归学校继续学习以应对其退休生活。

　　1．Why did Ms White decide to get a master's degree?

　　A．To increase her income.

　　B．To take part in competitions.

　　C．To study information services.

　　D．To improve her life after retirement.

　　解析：　细节理解题。根据第一段的I wanted to change the image of older adults by getting them to move and enjoy the power of play.The degree opened opportunities for me to do that可知，怀特女士决定获取硕士学位是为了丰富退休后的生活。

　　答案：　D

　　2．The underlined word "passé" in Paragraph 2 probably means .

　　A．out of date　　　　 B．of great value

C．beyond question D．under discussion