Part 1. Vocabulary
|
tend |
/tend/ v. - regularly
or frequently behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic: "written
language tends to be formal" |
|
alleviate |
/əˈlēvēˌāt/
v. - make
(suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe: "he
couldn't prevent her pain, only alleviate it" |
|
calories |
/ˈkal(ə)rē/
n. - a
unit of energy. 1 gram of
carbohydrate (sugars and starches) has 4 calories |
|
flexibility |
/ˌfleksəˈbilədē/
n. - the quality
of bending easily without breaking: "players
gained improved flexibility in their ankles" |
|
mood |
/mo͞od/ n. - a temporary
state of mind or feeling: "he
appeared to be in a very good mood about something" |
|
endorphins |
/ en-dawr-finz
/ n. - chemicals
in the brain that act as natural analgesics. Endorphins are
similar in structure and effect to opiate drugs. |
Part 2. Comprehension Questions
What happens as we age?
What has a ton of benefits and can actually alleviate a lot?
Why is maintaining a healthy weight, a challenge with age?
How can exercise strengthen mental acuity?
What can endorphins do for us?
Part 3. Article Reading
Everyone knows that exercise is important, but trying to
stay active as you get older can be a challenge. As we age, we tend to
suffer from joint pain, have more health problems and worry about getting
injured.
Exercise Benefits
Exercising has a ton of benefits though and can actually alleviate
a lot of these conditions – if only we would do it.
Control weight: Your metabolism naturally slows with
age, so maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge. Exercise helps increase
metabolism and builds muscle mass, helping your body burn more calories.
Strengthen mental acuity: Because exercise often
requires concentration, multitasking, and creative thinking, it’s great for
brain function. It can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and
dementia – and may even slow the progression of brain disorders such as
Alzheimer's disease.
Boost energy and reduce the risk of disease: People who
exercise tend to have an improved immune system and digestive system, better
blood pressure and bone density, as well as a lower risk of diabetes, heart
disease, and certain cancers.
Reduce the risk of injury: Exercise improves your strength,
flexibility, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and
alleviating arthritis symptoms.
Improve sleep: Regular activity will tire you out,
helping you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply.
Improve mood: Since exercise produces endorphins,
it can reduce feelings of sadness or anxiety and, naturally, increase your
self-confidence.
By exercising and improving all of these conditions, older
adults can stay healthier and happier longer.
Source: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/musculoskeletal-and-rheumatology/2017/june/staying-active-as-you-get-older