hens to look after to stop them feeling lonely.

The project was dreamed up by a local charity (慈善组织) to reduce

loneliness and improve elderly people’s wellbeing. It is also being usedto

help patients suffering dementia, a serious illness of the mind. Staff incare

homes have reported a reduction in the use of medicine where hens arein

use.

Among those taking part in the project is 80-year-old Ruth Xavier. She

said: “I used to keep hens when I was younger and had to prepare their

breakfast each morning before I went to school.

“I like the project a lot. I am down there in my wheelchair in themorning

letting the hens out and down there again at night to see they’ve gone tobed.

“It’s good to have a different focus. People have been bringing their

children in to see the hens and residents come and sit outside to watchthem.

I’m enjoying the creative activities, and it feels great to have donesomething

useful.”

There are now 700 elderly people looking after hens in 20 care homes in

the North East, and the charity has been given financial support to roll itout

countrywide.

Wendy Wilson, extra care manager at 60 Penfold Street, one of the first

to embark on the project, said: “Residents really welcome the idea ofthe

project and the creative sessions. We are looking forward to the benefitsand

fun the project can bring to people here.”

Lynn Lewis, director of Notting Hill Pathways, said: “We are happy tobe

taking part in the project. It will really help connect our residentsthrough a

shared interest and creative activities.”

28. What is the purpose of the project?

A. To ensure harmony in care homes.

B. To provide part-time jobs for the aged.

C. To raise money for medical research.

D. To promote the elderly people’s welfare.

29. How has the project affected Ruth Xavier?

A. She has learned new life skills.

B. She has gained a sense of achievement.

C. She has recovered her memory.

D. She has developed a strong personality.

30. What do the underlined words “embark on” mean in paragraph 7?

A. Improve.

B. Oppose.

C. Begin.

D. Evaluate.