How the Japanese Refuse to Slow Down With Age

Words and Phrases

Directions: Let's learn some words and phrases used in the article.

documentary
a film or television or radio program that gives information about a subject and is
based on facts
Ex. The documentary presented us with a balanced view of the issue.

summit
reach the summit of (a mountain or hill)
Ex.At 4 am, he contacted me and told me he had summited.

calligraphy
(the art of producing) beautiful writing, often created with a special pen or brush
Ex.There's some wonderful calligraphy in these old manuscripts.

peer
a person who is the same age or has the same social position or the same abilities as
other people in a group
Ex. Our friends, family members, and peers often are the first to recognize the gifts
and talents we possess.

Comprehension
Directions: Listen to the article and answer the questions.

Listening Focus
Directions: First of all, let's check some questions that you need to focus on listening.
1. What is the name of the documentary that features Yuichiro Miura's speed riding
attempt?
2. According to the article, why do Japanese elders turn to hobbies?
3. According to Yuko Oguma, what could be an important factor in elderly health?

Listen to the article

Directions: Listen carefully.

How the Japanese Refuse to Slow Down With Age 

Japan’s senior citizens, those aged 65 and above, account for more than 28% of its
population. And for the elders of Japan, age is just a number.

Mieko Nagaoka only started swimming in her 80s. Yet, by age 100, she published a
book on the subject, and even set the first world record for her age group, swimming
1,500m in a 25m pool. At 105 years old, she still enters Masters competitions and
currently holds 18 world records.

Similarly, professional skier Yuichiro Miura is another senior citizen who refuses to
let his age disrupt his life. In his 40s, he attempted to ski down Mount Everest with a
parachute on his back, a practice known as speed riding, to decelerate his descent. His
feat was documented in the film "The Man Who Skied Down Everest", which won an
Academy Award for best documentary in 1975.

At 70 years old, he returned to Everest and became the oldest person in the world
to summit. He broke his own record twice, aged 75 and 80. He is now working
towards his goal to summit Everest again at 90.

These are just two examples of many Japanese elders engaging in surprising new
activities. Still, the question remains – why Japan?

Japan is famous for a culture with a super-charged senior mentality – stemming not
from the fear of death, but instead the fear of being a burden on society and family.
Thus, elderly people turn to hobbies to remain independent. Elders engage in various
activities, from calming calligraphy and flower arranging, to more active sports such
as swimming.

Crucially, the social benefits could also play a role in this graceful aging. According
to Yuko Oguma of the Keio Sports Medicine Research Center, having peers could be
an important factor in elderly health. “They work among themselves to provide
activities, to be more fit or to be included socially. It is this proactiveness that
strengthens them.”

Answer the Questions

Directions: Read each question and give the correct answer based on the article.

1. What is the name of the documentary that features Yuichiro Miura's speed riding
attempt?
2. According to the article, why do Japanese elders turn to hobbies?
3. According to Yuko Oguma, what could be an important factor in elderly health?

READ OUT

Discussion
Directions: Please answer each question freely or by using the situation given.
1. Do you agree that socializing plays an important role in living a long and healthy
life?
2. Do you enjoy exercising? Why or why not?
3. Have you made any specific plans for your elderly years?
4. Do you think it’s important to learn a new skill or hobby later in one’s life?