Question 27 - Reading Practice Test for the PRAXIS Test

Passage 1 - Easing Senior Loneliness – It’s More Important Than We Think

Social isolation is a little-thought-of, but growing, factor in the health and well-being of people 65 and older – and it may play a greater role than obesity as a public health hazard, according to research at Brigham Young University. … Bottom line, it can become difficult to fulfill the basic human need to connect with others. … Humana’s Dr. Weinstein recommends…ways in which to become more active and engaged. … Volunteer: If you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. Or comforting babies at a hospital. Stay Active: Local senior and community centers offer health and wellness activities, exercise classes, walking clubs, and social programs, often at little to no cost. Learn Something New: Join a book club or take a class to learn a new skill. … When it comes to maintaining good health, social interaction matters.

Passage 2 - Seniors Find That Doing Good Is Good for You

There are two things that older adults have in spades these days: time and knowledge. And both make them the perfect match for volunteering. By giving back as a little as two hours a week, or about 96 hours a year, older adults are discovering how to keep their lives active and healthy. Research shows that seniors who volunteer can combat depression, stave off chronic pain, and boost brain power. In short, volunteering can promote longevity. Still need another reason to get out and volunteer? With the number of volunteers age 65 and older expected to double in a few years, chances are you’ll reconnect with old friends and make new ones. “Volunteering gave me a reason to get up in the morning and stimulated my brain as I learned about topics and issues that were completely unfamiliar to me,” says one volunteer.