According to a 2006 Danish study published in the Psychonomic Bulletin &Review, people over age 40 perceive themselves to be, on average, 20 percent younger than     1     their ID indicates. Why do some of us feel that the number of candles on our birthday cake can't be right? Psychologists and scientists    2    (study) this phenomenon since the 1970s. Some wonder about the cultural factors that push us to look younger because old age is often associated     3    being unproductive and dependent. Other factors that lead to us perceiving ourselves as younger are being sociable and having intergenerational relationships.

I had an experience that I will forever bear in my mind. Once upon a time, as I was swimming in a lake, I suddenly felt a sharp sting in my leg. When    1    (look) down, I realized that it was a snake! I was so frightened that I swam fast     2    (avoid) it. Then I remembered what I had learned about dealing with snakebites. I immediately pressed against the wound and swam to the shore for help.    3    (lucky), I was sent to the hospital in time.