Shopping Can Prolong Life

April 18, 2011


Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. prolong (v.) [pruh-lawng] – to lengthen time or make something last longer
Example: Healthy food and exercise can prolong one’s life.

2. companionship (n.) [kuhm-pan-yuhn-ship] – the relationship of friends or being with someone
Example: Joining sports can give people a chance to build companionships.

3. wellbeing (n.) [wel-bee-ing]  – the state of being healthy, happy, and successful
Example: Parents care for their children’s wellbeing.

4. sensible (adj.) [sen-suh-buhl] – pertains to something that is reasonable or something that ‘makes sense’
Example: My brother, who is a musician, made a sensible decision to teach in a music school. 


Article
Read the text below.

Shopping can prolong life of elders ages 65 and above, according to a study conducted by Taiwanese researchers. 

Dr. Yu Hung Chang of the Institute of Population Health Sciences, Taiwan headed the study. In the years 1999-2000 his group did a survey by asking almost two thousand elders how often they go shopping. Chang’s team then kept track of the death registries after several years. They found that the elderlies who did shopping regularly lived longer than those who shopped only once or twice a week.

This is because shopping provides people with companionship, exercise, and a chance for elders to maintain a healthy diet. Compared to other physical activities like exercise, shopping is easier and more fun to do. They have concluded that pleasurable shopping increases a person’s wellbeing.

An expert from UK said that the results are very sensible because shopping involves physical and mental activity and social interaction.  He agreed that regular shopping not only increases wellbeing, but prolongs life.



Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Are there many elders who go shopping regularly in your country?
·         What other activities do you think can promote good health for elders?

Discussion B

·         When do you usually go shopping?
·         What other activities do you do to relieve stress?

April 18, 2011