Modern life is busy, and many adults want to feel better and have more energy. The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. You should start with the basics. Eat regular meals and try to include fruit and vegetables every day. You should also drink more water and less cola or energy drinks.
Exercise is important too. You do not need to do difficult sports. You should walk more, use the stairs, or go for a bike ride. Sleep is another key part of a healthy life. You shouldn’t go to bed too late, and you shouldn’t use your phone for hours before sleep.
Stress is a problem for many people. You should make time to relax, rest, and do things you enjoy. And of course, you shouldn’t smoke. A healthy lifestyle is not about being perfect. It is about making better choices every day.
How Healthy Is Your Lifestyle?
Choose A, B, or C for each question.
- What do you usually have for breakfast?
A. Something healthy, like fruit, yoghurt, or toast
B. Coffee and something small
C. I often skip breakfast - How often do you do exercise?
A. Three or more times a week
B. Once a week
C. Almost never - How many hours do you usually sleep?
A. 7–8 hours
B. 6 hours
C. 5 hours or less - What do you usually drink during the day?
A. Mostly water
B. Some water, some coffee or soft drinks
C. Mostly coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks - How stressed do you feel?
A. Not very stressed most of the time
B. Quite stressed sometimes
C. Very stressed most days - What do you do after work?
A. I relax, walk, or do something active
B. I usually sit down and watch TV
C. I continue working or do very little - How often do you eat fast food or unhealthy snacks?
A. Not often
B. Once or twice a week
C. Several times a week - Do you smoke?
A. No
B. Sometimes
C. Yes, regularly
Your Results
Mostly A answers:
Healthy and balanced
You have good habits. Keep going like this.
Mostly B answers:
Doing OK, but you can improve
Your lifestyle is quite healthy, but you should change a few things.
Mostly C answers:
Your lifestyle needs help
You shouldn’t ignore your habits. You should make some healthy changes now.
Talk to a partner
- Are you happy with your result?
- What should you do more often?
- What shouldn’t you do so much?
- What healthy habits are easy or difficult for you?
HEALTHY AT 72
“I still run every week”
At 72, Daniel Ruiz has a busy and active life. He lives near the sea, and every morning he gets up at 6:30. He drinks a glass of water, has a light breakfast, and goes for a short run or a long walk. He says exercise helps him feel strong and relaxed.
Daniel does not follow a difficult diet, but he tries to eat well. He usually has fruit, vegetables, fish, rice, and soup. He doesn’t eat much fast food, and he rarely drinks sugary drinks. He also says sleep is very important. He goes to bed early and tries to sleep for seven or eight hours every night.
When Daniel feels stressed, he doesn’t stay at home all day. He goes outside, meets friends, or reads a book. He says people should move more, rest well, and enjoy simple things in life. “You shouldn’t wait until you feel ill,” he says. “You should take care of your body every day.”
Mini interview
1. How old are you?
I’m 72 years old.
2. What do you do to stay healthy?
I run, walk, eat simple food, and sleep well.
3. Do you do exercise every day?
Not every day, but I move every day.
4. What do you eat?
I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, fish, and soup.
5. What do you do when you feel stressed?
I go outside, meet friends, or read.
6. What advice do you have for younger people?
You should take care of your body now, not later.
Comprehension check
True or False
- Daniel gets up late every morning.
- He usually does some exercise in the morning.
- He often eats fast food.
- He thinks sleep is important.
Choose the correct answer
- Daniel lives…
a) in a city centre
b) near the sea
c) in the mountains - When he feels stressed, he…
a) stays in bed
b) works more
c) goes outside or meets friends
Short answers
- What kind of food does Daniel usually eat?
- What does Daniel say people should do?
Speak about it
Discuss with a partner
- Do you think Daniel has a good lifestyle?
- What healthy habits do you have?
- What should adults do to stay healthy?
- What shouldn’t people do too often?
- Is it easy or difficult to live like Daniel?
Personal response
Complete the sentences:
- I should ____________________________________
- I shouldn’t __________________________________
- To feel less stressed, I should __________________
- To be healthier, I should _______________________
Where Do People Live the Longest?
Many people want to know the secret to a long life. Today, people in the world live for about 73 years on average. But in some countries, people often live much longer. In Japan, Spain, and Italy, average life expectancy is about 84 years.
Researchers also study famous long-life places called Blue Zones. Some of these places are Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California.
Why do people live longer there? Experts often say the same things: people walk a lot, eat simple fresh food, spend time with family and friends, and have less stress. A long life is not only about luck. Healthy daily habits can make a real difference.
Comprehension Questions
True or False
- People in the world live about 84 years on average.
- Japan, Spain, and Italy have very high life expectancy.
- Sardinia is in Greece.
- Walking and fresh food may help people live longer.
Choose the correct answer
- Blue Zones are places where people…
a) work more
b) often live longer
c) eat only fruit - Which place is in Italy?
a) Okinawa
b) Nicoya
c) Sardinia - Which country is mentioned in the text?
a) Brazil
b) Japan
c) India - Experts say people in Blue Zones often…
a) sleep very little
b) feel more stress
c) have simple healthy habits
Short answer
- What is the average life expectancy in the world?
- Name two Blue Zones from the text.
- What kind of food do people often eat in these places?
- Do you think family and friends are important for a long life? Why?
Speaking Questions
- Would you like to live to 90 or 100?
- What should people do to live longer?
- What shouldn’t people do too often?
- Do people in Spain live healthily?
- Which is more important: food, exercise, sleep, or less stress?
Lingua-Franca 