（1991年度　本試験　英語　第５問）

When is a person old? There are many individuals who still seem ‘young’ at seventy or more, while others appear ‘old’ in their fifties. From another point of view, sumo wrestlers, for instance, are ‘old’ in their thirties, whereas artists’ best years may come in their sixties or even later. But in general, people are old when society considers them to be old, that is, when they retire from work at around the age of sixty or sixty-five.

Nowadays, however, the demand for new work skills is making more and more individuals old before their time. Although older workers tend to be dependable, and have much to offer from their many years of experience, they are put at a disadvantage by rapid developments in technology. Older people usually find it more difficult to acquire the new skills required by technological changes, and they do not enjoy the same educational opportunities as young workers.

When they finally leave work and retire, people face further problems. The majority receive little or no assistance in adjusting to their new situation in the community. Moreover, since society at present appears to have no clear picture of what place its older members should occupy, it is unable to offer them enough opportunities to have satisfying social roles after they retire.

In the past, the old used to be looked upon as experts in solving various problems of life. Today, however, they are no longer regarded as such and are seldom expected to play significant roles in social, economic and community affairs. With the number of older people in the population rapidly increasing, we need greatly to increase and improve the opportunities provided for them so that they can participate in society with dignity and respect.

(290 words)