Comprehension check

Ex. 1. Read the text. Decide which sentence goes in each of the numbered gaps in the text:

1. On the other hand, this is a period of contentment for most.

2. They place emphasis on more simple aspects of life.

3. Many people in this stage find freedom they have never had before.

4. Adulthood is the period of time from adolescence through old age.

5. These physical changes should not be associated with an ability to be productive.

6. This stage is characterized by independence and being responsible for themselves.

7. These relationships may be short-lived.

8. Middle adulthood occurs for people in their 30s.

Ex. 2. Translate paragraph 1 in writing.

Ex. 3. Read the text again and choose the correct alternative for each of the following questions:

1. When may skeletal muscles lose some of their strength?

1. in the period of time between childhood and adulthood;

2. after age 30;

3. after age 50.

2. What stage is characterized by independence and being responsible for themselves?

1. early adulthood;

2. adolescence;

3. old age.

3. When do friends replace family members as a source of help?

1. during adolescence;

2. when people reach their 20s;

3. during late adulthood.

4. What is middle adulthood marked by?

1. by many psychosocial changes;

2. by physical changes;

3. by the seeking of life goals and standards.

4. What is the most stable period of the life style?

1. childhood;

2. adolescence;

3. late adulthood.

4. What do people find in late adulthood?

1. they find new friends;

2. they find freedom they have never had before;

3. they find a lot of money.

Ex. 4. Put 8-10 questions on the next so that they cover its content.

Text 5. Social aspects of aging

1. The population of persons ages 65 and older is increasing. a) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. New drugs¹ help treat² illnesses that once were often fatal³. Research about the relationships of risk factors to premature⁴ illness and death are encouraging people to change their health practices. Health promotion activities in schools and communities are encouraging people to take responsibility for their own health.

2. However, despite positive lifestyle changes, other social aspects of aging must be addressed. One concern related to growing older is ageism. b) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Ageism is often a result of stereotyping. A stereotype is an assumption⁵ that people in a particular group will think or act in a certain way. Stereotyping is a socially harmful behavior because it ignores individual differences. There are many stereotypes about older people. Some of these focus on the physical and mental abilities⁶ of older people. c) _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

• Myth Intellectual failure will occur.

• Fact People who are intelligent during their early and middle years will probably be intelligent until they die.

• Myth Retirement⁷ causes people to get sick and die early.

• Fact A major reason people retire is ill health. Retirement does not cause ill health.

• Myth Older people do not understand what is happening in the real world.

• Fact Many company presidents, educators, and world leaders are over age 65. They are well-respected, and their wisdom will be sought until they die. Older people may have qualities that younger people do not have. They may have had certain experiences that have given them wisdom or a different perspective on life.

3. d) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Older people may find themselves isolated when their aging friends and/or spouse⁸ dies. In this situation, they need to develop new friends and social relationships. Unfortunately this is especially difficult if transportation is not available. Social isolation thus becomes a problem for some people.

4. Young people often are not aware of the social needs⁹ of older people. e) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Think about the needs you have. You may identify some of the following: friends with whom to talk; someone to give you love; someone to listen to you; someone with whom to do things; someone with whom to go places; time to be alone; opportunities to make your own decisions.

5. If one or more of these needs are not met, you may not be able to achieve optimum health. Think about the needs of an older person. This person's needs are very similar to yours.

6. You can help older person meet their needs. f) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. You might help arrange for transportation so that an elderly person can meet new friends and participate in new activities.

Notes: 1) лекарство, медикаменты; 2) обходиться, трактовать; 3) роковой, смертельный; 4) преждевременный; 5) присвоение, принятие на себя; 6) физические и умственные возможности; 7) выход в отставку или на пенсию; 8) супруг, супруга; 9) потребности.