Vocabulary:
- deteriorate /dih-TEER-ee-uh-reyt/
- curtail /ker-TEYL/
- able-bodied /EY-buhl-BOD-eed/
- lessen /LES-uhn/
- over-exercise /OH-ver EK-ser-sahyz/
- decrepit /dih-KREP-it/
[verb] – to become worse
Her family was in great pain after the doctor said that her condition deteriorated.
[verb] – to stop something before it is finished, or to reduce or limit something
You have to curtail your alcohol intake before it’s too late.
[adjective] – used to refer to someone who is healthy and has no illness
I think that all able-bodied citizens should be part of the daily activity program in the town.
[verb] – to become or make something smaller in amount or degree
Having enough sleep and a healthy diet can lessen the chance of getting a disease.
[verb] – take too much exercise
Andy slept literally the whole day after she over-exercised herself last night.
[adjective] – in very bad condition because of being old
The decrepit house located near the market was on fire last night.
1. Take part in regular exercise
It’s normal for our bodies to become a little active as we get older. Our body gets hurt a lot more than it used to especially if a person has conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis and other body conditions can make bodily movements a bit painful. However, maintaining regular exercise is one of the effective ways to have an active lifestyle. The fitter you are, the more you become able-bodied. There are many effective ways to build one’s endurance, even going for a short walk each day can help keep a healthy lifestyle.
2. Look after your feet
One of the ways to maintain your mobility is to take care of your feet. By looking after it doesn’t only mean keeping them clean but also ensuring the right footwear. It is believed that incorrect fitting of footwear can cause damage to your feet. Getting foot soaks and massages every once in a while relaxes your feet. By doing this, the chance of pain from walking and exercising lessens.
3. Buy mobility aids if needed
If you have difficulty with mobility, it would be better to invest in mobility aids. One good example is mobility scooters to help you keep your active lifestyle even at old age. These scooters might help you to travel more independently and visit social and exercise groups. Moreover, investing in exercise equipment that are designed for people with mobility issues, is also a big help to maintain a more active lifestyle.
Given some ways to keep an active lifestyle, it is also important not to over-exercise yourself. As we age, it’s normal to have a decrepit body which means, more prone to injury and diseases. So, by taking it slow and steady, a more active and healthier lifestyle awaits you.
Comprehension Questions:
- In the article, is it normal for our body to become frailer as we get older?
- What specific body condition was mentioned in the article that has something to do with movements?
- Aside from keeping it clean, what is the other way to take care of your feet?
- What is the example of mobility aid mentioned in the article?
- What happens to our body if it decrepits?
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think are the signs that a person is over-exercising?
- Do you think mobility aid is a requirement once a person gets older? Why or why not?
- What are your own ways to keep an active lifestyle?
- In your own opinion, what should younger people do to have a healthy lifestyle once they reach old age?
- Why do you think we should keep an active lifestyle? Explain your answer.