Ageing is an inevitable part of life, but how we age can be greatly influenced by our lifestyle choices and attitudes. In this article, based on a BBC Learning English video, we explore the latest research on ageing and provide practical advice on how to stay ‘young at heart’.
Today’s movie
6 Minute English from BBC Learning English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTSSchYtAXk
Listening Quiz
Test your comprehension with this quiz based on the video:
Q1: What is the oldest recorded age for a person?
Q2: What percentage of our ageing can be controlled by how we live?
Q3: What is one important factor in ageing well?
Q4: What are the advantages of the Mediterranean lifestyle?
Q5: What does ‘young at heart’ mean?
Vocabulary
Let’s review some of the key vocabulary from the video:
Young at heart
Thinking and behaving in a youthful way, in spite of growing older
Despite her age, she was young at heart.
Despite her age, she was young at heart.
Twin studies
Scientific research which uses twins to study the roles of genetics and environment in human development
Twin studies have provided valuable insights into the nature vs nurture debate.
Twin studies have provided valuable insights into the nature vs nurture debate.
Mediterranean diet
A diet consisting of foods typically eaten by people living in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, including fresh vegetables, olive oil and fish
Doctors often recommend the Mediterranean diet for heart health.
Doctors often recommend the Mediterranean diet for heart health.
Communal meal
An occasion where people sit down together to talk and share food
The family gathered for a communal meal every Sunday.
The family gathered for a communal meal every Sunday.
Multigenerational household
A situation where people from two or more generations of the same family live together
It is common in many cultures for multigenerational households to be the norm.
It is common in many cultures for multigenerational households to be the norm.