An ageless question: When is someone “old”?
What does “old” really mean these days? This isn’t a meaningless question — not only does the definition of “old” have an outsized impact on how we feel about ourselves (not to mention how others view us), it also matters to policymakers determining how to plan for aging populations.
The United Nations historically has defined older persons as people 60 years or over (sometimes 65). It didn’t matter whether you lived in the United States, China or Senegal, even though life expectancy is quite different in each of those countries. Everyone became old at 60.
Researchers Sergei Scherbov and Warren Sanderson, who study aging, are suggesting overturning the one-size-fits-all-across-the-globe definition of old. Instead, they talk about “prospective age”, which looks to the future. Everyone with the same prospective age has the same expected remaining years of life.
Scherbov explained that young and old are relative concepts, and their common reference point is life expectancy. It makes sense that “old” would vary between nations, especially between more-and less-developed countries, with differences in education, death rates, access to health care and life expectancy.
But who is “old” also varies-widely-between individuals. The point, says Scherbov, is that personal age is dependent on our “characteristics” — understanding abilities, disability, health history and even education levels. Those with more education tend not to smoke, exercise more frequently, have better diets and have regular checkups — and, therefore, live longer, meaning the beginning of their old age comes later, says Scherbov.
12. What is the first paragraph mainly about?
A.How do we feel about ourselves? |
B.How do others view us? |
C.The importance of the definition of “old”. |
D.The plan for aging populations. |
13. What does the underlined phrase “prospective age” in paragraph 3 refer to according to the text?
A.The expected remaining years of one’s life. |
B.The beginning of one’s old age. |
C.The differences of our “characteristics”. |
D.The age when one becomes old. |
14. What similarity does Scherbov think young and old have?
A.Understanding abilities. | B.Nations. |
C.Education. | D.The reference point. |
15. Which of the following helps one to live longer?
A.As much exercise as possible. | B.Losing weight. |
C.Studying history. | D.Improving the education level. |