A: How old is Keith?

B: He’s 21. How old is James?

A: He’s a year older than Keith, but he looks younger.

B: how’s your father?

A: He’s fine. He retired¹ last week. It’s a turning point in his life. Now he can relax and enjoy his retirement².

B: He can spend more time with his grandchildren³.

A: Oh, I don’t think he wants to. He wants to travel to several different countries around the world.

B: So, he wants to have a more active retirement. Good idea!

A: How do you want to spend your old age?

B: In the same way, probably.

A: What’s the life expectancy⁴ in your country?

B: I’m not sure, but probably about 75 years. How about in your country?

A: About 70, I think. This newspaper article talks about the problems of an aging population. It’s a problem that will soon affect most of the world.

B: I heard that the government might need to increase the retirement age, because otherwise there will not be enough workers to support the young and the elderly⁵.

A: Perhaps we need to have more babies! Tina gave birth to a baby boy yesterday.

B: Did she? That’s great. However, if we have too many children, that will have a bad effect on the environment.

A: How’s your son these days?

B: Oh, he’s fine. Kids seem to grow up very quickly nowadays.

A: He’ll be a teenager before you know it! Teenagers are often rebellious⁶! When do you think it is a good age to have a child?

B: I had mine when I was 24. That’s a little young. I’d suggest you wait until you are in your late twenties, or even in your early thirties if you have a good career.

A: Yes, I think you’re right. I’m thinking about having a child, but not just yet.

B: Is there a big generation gap⁷ between parents and their children in your country?

A: Yes, there is. Teenagers do not want to live traditional lives. They want to go out, have fun, and explore the world. They want to develop their own view of life. Parents usually try to discourage⁸ them, but they don’t often succeed.

B: Parents usually give their children more freedom in my country. Sometimes they give them too much freedom.

A: It’s almost impossible to get the right balance. If you are too strict, kids might ignore you. If you are too lenient⁹, they might go wild.