Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have older people in your family talked about memory problems? If so, what did they say? If not, what do they usually talk about?
- Have you ever joined a workout or exercise program? If so, what kind? If not, what physical activity do you like?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- regular /REG-yuh-ler/
- include /in-KLOOD/
- session /SESH-uhn/
- fulfilled /fool-FILD/
- balanced /BAL-uhnst/
[adjective] – happening often or at the same time each day, week, etc.
She takes regular walks every morning.
[verb] – to have something or someone as part of something
My lunch includes rice, meat, and vegetables.
[noun] – a period of time used for a particular activity
The yoga session lasts for 30 minutes.
[adjective] – feeling happy because life is meaningful
She felt fulfilled after helping others.
[adjective] – fair, equal, or in proper proportion; having different parts or aspects working well together
Meditation helps her stay balanced during stressful times.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A recent U.S. study showed that a healthy lifestyle may help older adults improve memory. The study was shared on July 29 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published in JAMA. It was done in different parts of the United States and included 2,100 people aged 60 to 79. These adults were more likely to get dementia. The study was done to find out if regular exercise, healthy eating, and brain activities can stop memory problems. The research was supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging. A similar study in Finland gave the same result, but this one confirmed that it also works in America, where people may live less active lives.
In the study, the main group followed a program for two years. It included four workout sessions each week, a diet full of vegetables, fish, and berries, and brain training on the internet. The program also included social time and weekly challenges. Experts said the mix of physical activity, brain work, and friendships helped improve memory test results. These results showed that the brain worked as if it was one to two years younger. Researchers said that there is no single answer, but a comprehensive, holistic way is better. The study showed that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain. The group also felt more fulfilled, active, and stimulated, leading to a more balanced life.
In the study, the main group followed a program for two years. It included four workout sessions each week, a diet full of vegetables, fish, and berries, and brain training on the internet. The program also included social time and weekly challenges. Experts said the mix of physical activity, brain work, and friendships helped improve memory test results. These results showed that the brain worked as if it was one to two years younger. Researchers said that there is no single answer, but a comprehensive, holistic way is better. The study showed that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain. The group also felt more fulfilled, active, and stimulated, leading to a more balanced life.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did the U.S. study show about a healthy lifestyle?
- When and where was the study shared?
- How many people joined the study?
- What was the age group of the people in the study?
- Why was the study done?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried to eat healthy every day? If so, how did it go? If not, why not?
- Have you joined a group activity like a workout or a class? If so, what was it? If not, would you like to?
- Do you agree that a healthy heart helps the brain too?
- Why do you think older people are more likely to get memory problems?
- What do you think makes brain games helpful or not helpful?