Band 9: The graph below shows how elderly people in the United States spent their free time between 1980 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The line graph illustrates how elderly individuals in the United States engaged in five different leisure activities between 1980 and 2010.

Overall, watching TV remained the most popular activity throughout the period, while surfing the internet, although starting from a low point, showed the most significant increase. In contrast, theatre attendance declined over time.

In 1980, watching TV was the most common activity, with around 60% of elderly people doing so. This figure slightly decreased in the 1990s but rose again to about 70% in 2010. Hiking also became increasingly popular, rising from around 20% in 1980 to nearly 80% by 2010, overtaking all other activities by the end of the period.

Reading fluctuated but remained relatively stable overall, starting and ending at around 50%, with a slight dip in the 2000s. Theatre attendance dropped significantly from 50% in 1980 to just under 30% in 2010. Meanwhile, internet usage saw a dramatic rise, beginning at under 10% and soaring to about 50% by 2010.

In summary, while traditional activities like watching TV and reading remained common, newer trends such as internet use gained popularity rapidly among the elderly.