What is the best way to live a long and happy life? Of course it’s important to have a nutritious diet and a good exercise programme to stay in good physical condition. However, as the saying goes, “Man does not live by bread alone.” Experts say that in addition to eating well and exercising, having supportive relationships and challenging our minds by learning new things are essential elements to living a longer, healthier life.

Traveling to new places, taking classes in specific subjects, or simply doing the daily newspaper crossword puzzles are all examples of mentally stimulating activities that can keep our minds active and engaged, thus helping to prevent mental decline. Scientists used to think that humans stopped producing brain cells upon reaching its full adult development. However, more recently, they have found that the brain continues to make chemicals that stimulate brain cell growth even up to age 70.

True or false?

1) To increase their life expectancy, people need to be concerned only that they get enough nutritious food and exercise.

2) Having good family relationships can be an important factor in keeping mentally and physically fit.

3) Scientists generally believe that the brain does not develop after one reaches adulthood.

These days, “literacy” does not only refer to the ability to read and write. “Literacy” also refers to the ability to use a computer. However, the world is suffering from a digital divide, which means that those who live in developing countries do not always have access to the latest computer technology. The United Nations Millennium Development goals aim to deliver more computer access to people in the developing world so that the digital divide may be decreased. Although training in the use of computers is also important, young people often intuitively grasp how to search the Internet and manage certain computer programs once given access to computers.

True or false?

4) According to the article, the definition of “literacy” has been expanded to include computer literacy.

5) The UN Millennium Development goals hope to reduce the gap between those who have and don’t have access to computer technology.

6) It is very difficult for young people to know how to gain Internet access without having a lot of training in this first.