ESL WORKSHEET - Well-being of Elderly People

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

LinguaHouse
Nov. 15, 2023

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of English: General English
Tags: Society and Change; Psychology; Health and Well-being; Phrasal Verbs; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old; Article Based
Publication date: 11/15/2023

In this article-based worksheet, students read about how windows can affect the well-being of elderly people. Activities focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary (including phrasal verbs). The lesson rounds off with a speaking activity in which students create stories about people they observe through a window (by Luca Burns).

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audios (Am/Br English).

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Host: Welcome to today's podcast, where we will be discussing the vital role that windows with a view can play in the lives of older people. I'm your host, and with me today is Garry who is a psychologist and Lorin, a medical carer.
Host: So, Lorin, can you tell us about your experience working with older people and the importance of windows for them?
Lorin, medical carer: Sure. As a medical carer, I have worked with a variety of older individuals, and I have found that windows can be incredibly important for their overall well-being. For many older people, especially those who may spend more time indoors, windows provide a way to access the outside world and stay connected to their community.
Garry, psychologist: That's definitely true. In fact, a study conducted in the United States in 1981 found that older people used their windows to observe and participate in their neighborhood. This concept is known as the “surveillance zone”.
Lorin, medical carer: Right, and in a recent study that I conducted in the UK, the interviewees all valued their windows and spent time setting up their space to get a good view. The views themselves can be of particular significance, as they provide a source of entertainment and can even help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Garry, psychologist: Absolutely, Lorin. Previous research has suggested that older people prefer being able to see nature, and there is a link between nature and stress reduction. However, it's important to note that even seemingly insignificant or urban views can be important for older people. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, the significance of the view is subjective.
Lorin, medical carer: Exactly. Change is also a key factor for older people when it comes to their views. This can include expected changes, like the changing of seasons, as well as unexpected changes like roadwork or storms. Juxtapositions between the immediate and the distant, like a neighborhood and distant hills or a garden and a highway, can also be preferred.
Garry, psychologist: It's clear that windows with a view play a significant role in the daily lives of older people. However, there can also be potential downsides to having a window with a view. Some people may worry about being perceived as nosy or mean if they talk about their observations.
Lorin, medical carer: That's true, but the benefits of having a window with a view far outweigh any potential negative perceptions. Windows with a view provide a sense of purpose and a way to stay connected to the outside world, which is particularly important for older people who may spend more time indoors.
Host: Thank you for joining us today on the vital role of windows with a view for older people. We hope you found this discussion informative. Be sure to tune in next time for more insights on the importance of windows in daily life. Until then, take care.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/a-room-with-a-view. Accessed on November 29, 2023. © 2008–2023 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.