B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you ever wondered why certain people have such remarkable health and longevity? For years, scientists, researchers, and health enthusiasts have pondered the question. In a world with varying life expectancies, ‘Blue Zones’ stand out as regions where people not only live longer but also enjoy vibrant lives well into their hundreds.
Read this article to learn some advice from people in ‘Blue Zones’ on how to live longer.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/blue-zones-longer-life-tips_l_651af7dfe4b00421f662db6a
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “mindful eating” mean? “According to Wood, in the Okinawan Blue Zone, they adhere to a form of mindful eating known as hara hachi bu.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- Define “encompass”. “The little things all add up to create a life that encompasses more movement.” Use this in a sentence.
- What does “to be in tune with someone/something” mean? “Becoming more in tune with your body’s food needs has become buzzy outside of Blue Zone culture, too — you’re probably familiar with newer terms like intuitive eating and mindful eating.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you perceive ‘Blue Zones’ and the lifestyles of the people living in them?
- Talk about your dietary preferences. Also, share your thoughts on ‘mindful eating’.
- Share your thoughts on this, “These social relationships have a positive influence on your health.“.
- How do you prioritize physical activity and movement in your daily life? Are there any particular activities you enjoy?
- What factors do you think contribute to a longer, healthier life based on your experiences and knowledge?
2 replies on “Advice from People in Blue Zones to Live Longer”
1. For me, it is not necessary to live in “Blue Zones” to have a healthy lifestyle. Any person can live in the same way without living in those places. On the other hand, some tips given in the article are linked to the culture of the country or area. People living in the villages usually do errands on foot because the distances are shorter than in the city. In some countries, the family bond is important, and sons live with parents and grandparents in the same house. Finally, diet is also connected to the zone where a person is living, since if there is not too much fruit or vegetables, it is likely that they will intake other cheaper alternatives to obtain.
2. Mindful eating is important not only to have a healthy life but also to keep in a good weight. I try to eat healthy food including a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein mainly fish. I try to avoid processed or greasy food since they make me feel sick.
3. I suppose that this statement means that social relationships make us feel fine mentally. We feel that we belong to a group, and we are accepted by them. Mental health is also related to the body health.
4. I usually have a sedentary life since I have to stay seated more than 8 hour a day. So, when I finish my work, I usually go to the swimming pool or gym to do some exercise. On weekends, I try to walk and use the car as little as possible.
5. I think that the tips given in the article are precisely the key points to have a longer and healthy life. And one of the most important is trying to reduce the stress level as much as one can.
Nice efforts in practicing your writing skills.
See a way to revise this sentence:
Another way to say it is:
Keep going with this exercise to improve further.