Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a loan
    • ex. Amy took a loan from the bank to pay for her new house.
  2. an upgrade
    • ex. Our house will get upgrades soon, such as new paint and furniture.
  3. accessible
    • ex. The park has accessible paths for people using wheelchairs.
  4. an amenity
    • ex. Our apartment building has several amenities, including a swimming pool and a garden.
  5. prioritize
    • ex. The government should prioritize providing help for elderly people.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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According to a survey, many Americans over the age of 50 prefer to stay in their own homes. Most of them got their homes on a loan that’s easy to pay. But because of this, many older adults are choosing to stay in their old homes rather than move to a different one since there aren’t many available houses.

Instead of moving, some elderly people spend their money on upgrades to make their homes enjoyable and accessible. The demand for amenities, like lower sinks, home elevators, and safety bars, has been increasing. And many home improvement businesses, like Home Depot and Toto USA, are offering products made especially for older adults.

According to a U.S. report in 2020, there will be even higher demands for home safety features for elderly people in the next 10 years. However, not everyone has money to make their homes accessible. A Harvard study found that it’s harder for low-income adults to make the necessary upgrades. The study also said that there’s a lack of elderly-friendly homes in the U.S. So, Jennifer Molinsky from Harvard urges policymakers to prioritize this issue.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Elderly-friendly Homes

  • In the U.S., some older adults spend money on upgrades to make their homes enjoyable and accessible. Do you think this is a wise use of their money? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think your home is safe and accessible for older adults? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • There is a lack of elderly-friendly homes in the U.S., so Jennifer Molinsky from Harvard urges policymakers to prioritize this issue. Do you think you have to prioritize this issue in your country too? Why or why not? Discuss.

Safe and Accessible Homes

  • Why do you think it’s important to have a safe and accessible home? Discuss.
  • Personally, do you think it is important to spend money on upgrades now to make your home safe and accessible? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Imagine you’re buying a new house. What amenities would you like your house to have (ex. a pool, a huge bedroom)? Why? Discuss.