Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. midlife
    • ex. Many people think about their life goals when they reach midlife.
  2. typical
    • ex. Rain is typical during spring, so don't forget your umbrella.
  3. progressive
    • ex. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness, which means it slowly gets worse over time.
  4. vascular
    • ex. Vascular problems can cause poor blood flow, leading to cold hands and feet.
  5. avert
    • ex. Exercising and eating healthy can help avert serious health problems like heart disease.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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By 2060, around 1 million Americans each year are expected to develop dementia, which is about double the number today, according to a new study. The research shows that after the age of 55, people have up to a 40% chance of developing dementia. Dr. Josef Coresh, who worked on the study, says, “All of our research suggests what you do in midlife really matters.”

Taking longer to remember names is typical with aging. But developing dementia is not normal. It’s a progressive disease that affects memory, language, and other brain functions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Meanwhile, vascular dementia happens when heart disease slows down blood flow to the brain. Getting older is the biggest risk for dementia, and many are getting older.

However, there are things people can do to avert or lower the risk of developing dementia. Alzheimer’s expert Dr. James Galvin says, “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.” He recommends exercising, staying at a healthy weight, and controlling diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure to support both heart and brain health.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Aging and Dementia

  • The new study says that after the age of 55, people have up to a 40% chance of developing dementia. How does this make you feel (ex. surprised, worried)? Discuss.
  • How do you view aging and getting older? Discuss.
  • The study predicts that by 2060, around 1 million Americans each year are expected to develop dementia. In your country, do you think this could also possibly happen? Why or why not? Discuss.

Midlife

  • How do you feel about entering the midlife stage of life? Discuss.
  • Dr. Josef Coresh says, “What you do in midlife really matters.” What do you think people can do in their midlife to stay healthy as they age? Discuss.
  • Do you believe that midlife is a time for personal growth and change? Why or why not? Discuss.