[originaltext] [16]In the American family the husband and wife usually share

[16]In the American family the husband and wife usually share important decision-making. When the children are old enough, they take part as well. Foreigners are often surprised by the American way of family life. The old rule that children should be seen and not heard is rarely followed, and children are often allowed to do what they wish without strict parental control. The father seldom expects his children to obey him without question, and children are encouraged to be independent at an early age. Some people believe that American parents carry this freedom too far. Others think that a strong father image would not suit the American values of equality and independence. [17]Because Americans emphasize the importance of independence, young people are expected to break away from their parental families by the time they have reached their late teens or early twenties. Indeed, not to do so is often regarded as a failure, a kind of weak dependence.
    [18]This pattern of independence often results in serious problems for the aging parents of a small family. The average American is expected to live beyond the age of 70. The job retirement age is usually 65. The children have left home, married, and set up their own households. At least 20 percent of all people over 65 do not have enough retirement income. [19]But the major problem of many elderly couples is not economic. They feel useless and lonely with neither an occupation nor a close family group.
16. What does the speaker tell us about important decision-making in the US?
17. Why are young people in the US expected to break away from their parental families?
18. What does the speaker say about the U.S. pattern of independence?
19. What is the major problem of many elderly couples?