The idea of “time banks” was created by Yale University Professor Edgar Cahn in 1980 as a way to encourage volunteerism(志愿服务). It’s simple enough. People who volunteer to help others in their communities(社区)get “time dollars” or “time coins” — that can be exchanged(交换)in later life if they need help. It has taken effect in Britain, Japan, Sweden and other countries. And so, too, in China.
The idea of “time banks” was introduced in China in 1992, and Shanghai was one of its first users. However, being short of clear rules, volunteers and good management, the project finally failed. Recently, the idea has become popular once more because of China’s rapidly aging population.
The Chinese version mostly hopes to encourage younger senior people to provide services for the older ones. “I’m happy to help them before I become too old to look after myself”, said Yang Beifen, 68, a community volunteer in Shanghai, “I’ve collected over 10 coins now, and it’s comforting to know that I can use them if I need to in the future.”
The idea of “time banks” is one way to deal with the problem of an aging population. By the end of last year, there were more than 5.2 million people aged 60 or older in Shanghai. Of these people, about 30 percent were aged below 64 and 16 percent were over 80. Many young people are too busy to care for the elderly, so the elderly have to help each other. The Bank of China even developed a WeChat mini program to help the elderly.
However, the needs of the elderly are a challenge for the city. There’s a long way to go.
29. What do we know about the idea of “time banks”?
A.It’s popular only in Europe. | B.It was created by a Chinese teacher. |
C.It’s kind of difficult to understand. | D.It’s a form of saving for the future. |
30. What is Yang Beifen’s attitude towards the idea of “time banks”?
A.She is pleased with it. | B.She is worried about it. |
C.She pays no attention to it. | D.She feels disappointed about it. |
31. According to the last two paragraphs, _________.
A.young people should help each other |
B.more work should be done to help the elderly |
C.the start of the WeChat mini program wasn’t easy |
D.an aging population is a common problem around the world |
32. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A.To introduce some volunteers. |
B.To introduce the history of “time banks”. |
C.To give facts about “time banks” in China. |
D.To introduce “time banks” to more countries. |