According to the statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, the aging index of Pingtung County in 2021 ranked fifth among the 22 cities and counties in Taiwan. This result shows that the planning of long-term care services for people __26__65 and above is an urgent issue. President Chain Store Corporation ( PCSC ) has been noting the rate of dementia ( 失智症 ) much

       __27__ in the elderly population since 2014. PCSC worked with Pingtung Christian Hospital to launch a public welfare fundraising program called “Dog Therapy for the Elderly.” This program

       __28__with the Professional Animal-Assisted Therapy Association offers dog therapy services for elders with dementia at 7-ELEVEN stores. The therapy dogs are trained to give comfort to elders. It is expected that this program can help__29__the progression of dementia for the elderly. In the meantime, PCSC hopes to enhance public awareness of the prevention and care of dementia.

Nothing is more refreshing than a slice of watermelon on a hot summer day! Research has shown that watermelon has a wide range of health benefits, particularly__30__ blood pressure. In a study conducted at Florida State University in the US, a group of overweight middle-aged participants was given watermelons for six weeks, but__31__watermelon was given for another six weeks. The participants had their blood pressure checked whether they ate watermelon or not. Results showed that watermelon significantly reduced blood pressure in overweight individuals both at rest and under stress.__32__, a similar study was conducted at Reading University in the UK. The researchers’ main goal was to examine the degree to__33__L-citrulline ( 左旋瓜胺酸 ), a natural element found in watermelon, helps to lower blood pressure. Results found that L-citrulline encourages healthy blood pressure by producing nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and supports the flow of bloodstream.

       Land changes into desert, i.e., desertification ( 沙漠化 ), if there have been farming activities on it or if many trees have been cut down. To avoid such a global crisis, we can devise several plans. First, we need to plant more trees__34__ their roots hold the soil, stopping it from washing away in the wind and rain. Next, we should manage water wisely. __35__, when it rains, we can store water in dams and use it to water crops during the dry season. Moreover, stones can be placed in the form of circles on the ground to keep water on the soil __36__it will not run out fast. Finally, we can use a hose with pin-sized holes lying on top of the soil to let water

       __37__ slowly onto the ground. This can effectively save water. These plans can help prevent land from becoming desert and help people deal with drought.

       Sometimes we may find ourselves wandering to the kitchen for a midnight snack. The reasons for late-night snacking can be different. Maybe it is genuine hunger. Perhaps it is stress. Or it is just that new Netflix series which makes us want to have popcorn. Although research shows that late-night snacking can have its benefits to our health, it also comes with some negative sides. For this reason, the important things we need to know are why we snack and howwe can make better snack choices. 

       The positive sides of late-night snacking mainly include filling dietary gaps and serving as sleep connection. For example, late-night snacks like whole-grain crackers or Greek yogurt with berries can provide essential vitamins and minerals that we have missed during the day. Snacks rich in proteins such as beans and legumes can also aid muscle recovery. Moreover, eating such bedtime snacks as nuts and seeds can help our body produce some key chemicals that regulate sleep.

       The negative sides of late-night snacking include the possibility of causing digestive discomfort and having weighty concern. For instance, eating spicy late-night snacks might result in heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. Eating too many snacks high in sugar and saturated fat can also bring about stomach upset. In addition, nighttime TV paired with a late-night snack can lead to overeating. Without being careful about what we eat, we may end up eating more calories than we need.

       Good news for shopping lovers, as you do not have to feel guilty anymore. Going shopping at the mall often seems to do more than just empty your wallet. As a matter of fact, it may help you live longer. A study done in Taiwan showed that shopping is actually good for people over 65. In a group of 1,850 old people, 28% of men and 23% of women who shopped regularly had a better chance of living longer, compared to those who never shopped or those who went shopping less than once a week. The benefits may come from the physical activity of walking around, and the social interaction and positive mood during shopping. Interestingly, these old people did not necessarily have to buy anything to enjoy these benefits. A news report outlined similar benefits of shopping, such as lifting one’s mood, lowering stress levels, sharpening mental clarity, and providing chances to exercise. 

       Shopping is, however, not always enjoyable for all ages. A study in the UK discovered that even though people there had more money and the economy was doing well, a lot of them felt sad after shopping, especially if they bought something they later regretted. A survey in Europe also found that one-third of shoppers bought things carelessly and sometimes got into debt. The research team conducting the study suggests that stores should be careful not to trick people into buying things they do not need. 

      Shopping appears to have its advantages and disadvantages. For older people, encouraging them to remain active and social through shopping could be valuable. It is also important to advise people to be thoughtful and happy shoppers by planning and preparing carefully before heading to the stores.