SECTION II Информативное чтение

Text 1 THE AGING PROCESS

(1) As we age, our bodies change in many ways that affect the function of both individual cells and organ systems. These changes occur little by little and progress inevitably over time. However, the rate of this progression can be very different from person to person.

The aging process depends on a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors seem to be more powerful than environmental factors in determining the large differences among people in aging and lifespan. There are even some specific genetic disorders that speed up the aging process, such as Hutchinson-Gilford, Werner’s, and Down syndromes. However, many environmental conditions, such as the quality of health care that you receive, have a substantial effect on aging. A healthy lifestyle is an especially important factor in healthy aging and longevity. These environmental factors can significantly extend lifespan.

(2) Aging causes functional changes in cells. For example, the rate at which cells multiply tends to slow down as we age. Certain cells that are important for our immune system to work properly (called T-cell lymphocytes) also decrease with age. In addition, age causes changes in our responses to environmental stresses or exposures, such as ultraviolet light, heat, not enough oxygen, poor nutrition, and toxins (poisons) among others.

(3) Our bodies normally change in appearance as we age. We all lose height as we age. Generally, our height increases until our late forties and then decreases about two inches by age 80. There are also weight changes and changes in body composition. In men, body weight generally increases until their mid-fifties; then it decreases, with weight being lost faster in their late sixties and seventies. In women, body weight increases until the late sixties and then decreases at a rate slower than that of men. The proportion of the body that is made up of fat doubles between age 25 and age 75. Exercise programs may prevent or reverse much of the proportional decrease in muscle mass and increase in total body fat.

(4) Normal aging in the absence of disease is a remarkably benign process. In other words, our body can remain healthy as we age. Although our organs may gradually lose some function, we may not even notice these changes except during periods of great exertion or stress.

(5) Aging and disease are related in subtle and complex ways. Several conditions that were once thought to be part of normal aging have now been shown to be due to disease processes that can be influenced by lifestyle. For example, heart and blood vessel diseases are more common in people who eat a lot of meat and fat. Similarly, cataract formation in the eye largely depends on the amount of exposure to direct sunlight.

(6) It is important to remember that the ability to learn and adjust continues throughout life and is strongly influenced by interests, activities, and motivation. With years of rich experience and reflection, we can rise above our own circumstances. Old age, despite the physical limitations, can be a time of variety, creativity, and fulfillment

Упражнение 1. Дополните вводное предложение аннотации таким образом, чтобы оно выражало содержание текста в обобщенном виде.

В данном тексте рассматривается…

1) роль плохого питания в процессе старения;

2) роль генетических факторов в процессе старения;

3) влияние различных факторов на процесс старения;

4) в тексте нет информации об этом.

Упражнение 2. В соответствии с содержанием текста выберите ответы на вопросы:

1. Какие отличия в изменении веса наблюдаются у женщин и мужчин по мере старения?

1) Временные границы колебания веса различаются у женщин и мужчин;

2) Женщины набирают больший вес;

3) Существенных отличий в изменении веса у мужчин и женщин не наблюдается;

4) В тексте нет информации об этом.

2. Каким образом видоизменяются функции различных систем организма?

1) Они утрачивают способность переносить высокие нагрузки;

2) Некоторые системы совсем перестают функционировать;

3) Некоторые системы утрачивают часть своих функций;

4) В тексте нет информации об этом.

3. Каким образом изменяются умственные способности человека по мере старения?

1) Они совсем не изменяются;

2) У человека появляется большая склонность к размышлениям;

3) Физиологические изменения в мозге приводят к нарушению его когнитивных функций;

4) В тексте нет информации об этом.

Упражнение 3. Определите, являются ли указанные утверждения: истинными, ложными или в тексте нет информации об этом.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-08