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Bilibili: 雅思口语 Part 1 – Working with Old People_哔哩哔哩_bilibili
Speaker: Joseph
Have you ever worked with old people?
Yes, I have. When I was at university, I volunteered at a local community centre where I helped elderly people with daily activities and basic technology. It was a really eye-opening experience for me.
Are you happy to work with people who are older than you?
Yes, I’m very comfortable with that. In fact, I often prefer it because older colleagues tend to be more patient and experienced. I feel I can learn a lot from them in a professional setting.
What are the benefits of being friends with or working with old people?
I think the biggest benefit is their life experience. They’ve usually been through many challenges, so their advice is practical and realistic. It also helps you see life from a longer-term perspective.
Do you enjoy spending time with old people?
It depends on the person, but generally, yes. If they’re friendly and open to conversation, I really enjoy listening to their stories and opinions. It can be surprisingly relaxing.
Would you like to work with old people in the future? Why or why not?
Yes, I’d be open to it. I think it would be quite meaningful work, especially if I felt I was making a difference in someone’s life. It also seems more rewarding than doing a purely profit-driven job.
What kinds of jobs involve working with old people in your country?
There are many roles, especially in healthcare. For example, nurses, caregivers, and doctors often work closely with elderly people. There are also social workers and volunteers who support them in the community.
What skills are important for someone who works with old people?
Patience is absolutely essential. You also need strong communication skills and a lot of empathy, because some older people may feel lonely or frustrated. Being calm under pressure helps too.
What challenges might people face when working with old people?
One challenge is communication, especially if older people have hearing problems or memory issues. It can also be emotionally difficult when you see them struggling with health or independence. That can be hard to deal with on a daily basis.
What do you think young people can learn from old people?
Young people can learn how to handle difficulties more calmly. Older people often have a balanced view of life because they’ve experienced both success and failure. That kind of mindset is very valuable.
Speaker: Blondie
Have you ever worked with old people?
Actually, I haven’t had the chance to work with them in a professional capacity yet. However, I did spend quite a bit of time volunteering at a local community centre during university, where I helped organise social events for retirees. It was a really eye-opening experience to hear their stories firsthand.
Are you happy to work with people who are older than you?
Absolutely! I actually prefer it in some ways. I find that older colleagues bring a certain level-headedness and a wealth of experience to the table. There’s a lot less ‘office drama’ usually, and I feel like I can soak up a lot of wisdom just by observing how they handle professional challenges.
What are the benefits of being friends with or working with old people?
I’d say the biggest perk is the perspective they offer. Younger people, myself included, can get really caught up in the ‘hustle’ or stress over minor setbacks. Older people have a way of reminding you of the big picture. Plus, they often have the best advice because, let’s face it, they’ve likely seen it all before.
Do you enjoy spending time with old people?
I really do. I’ve always been quite close with my grandparents, so I’m comfortable in that environment. I love the slower pace of conversation. It feels more intentional and less rushed than the typical ‘small talk’ I have with people my own age.
Would you like to work with old people in the future? Why or why not?
I wouldn’t rule it out, though it’s not my primary career path right now. If I were to do it, I think I’d lean towards something like advocacy or policy-making for the elderly, rather than direct caregiving. I feel like ensuring they have a voice in society is such an underrated but vital role.”
What kinds of jobs involve working with old people in your country?
It’s quite a broad spectrum. Obviously, you have the healthcare sector—nurses, geriatricians, and care assistants in nursing homes. But beyond that, there’s a growing market for financial advisors who specialize in retirement planning and even ‘befriending services’ designed to combat social isolation among the elderly.”
What skills are important for someone who works with old people?
Patience is definitely at the top of the list, as communication can sometimes take a bit more time. But beyond that, I think empathy and active listening are crucial. You need to be able to see the person behind the age and treat them with the dignity and autonomy they deserve.
What challenges might people face when working with old people?
I think the most significant hurdle is the communication gap, especially regarding technology or modern slang. It can also be emotionally taxing, particularly if you’re working in healthcare and dealing with patients who have degenerative conditions like dementia. It requires a lot of emotional resilience.
What do you think young people can learn from old people?
So much! Beyond practical skills, they can teach us resilience. Most older people have lived through economic shifts or personal hardships that my generation hasn’t faced yet. Learning how they stayed grounded through those times is incredibly invaluable for our own personal growth.
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