Acciaroli, Italy
Vocabulary
| doubt | cataract | particular |
| join | scientist | credit (3) |
| shave | average | raising questions |
| tend | obstacle | concentration |
| spry | resident | Alzheimer |
| region | so-called | figure (4) |
| outfit | lifestyle | laid-back |
| extol | heart (2) | only so much |
| beyond | discover | cardiology |
| bone | fracture | heart failure |
| virtue | measure | blood pressure |
| team | amazing | pilot study |
| patient | adequate | blood vessel |
| remove | research | combination |
| rich (3) | tranquil | plays a role |
| local | fountain | fountain of youth |
| genetic |
Video
Transcript
Scientists are discovering this week why people are living longer and healthier in a particular region of Italy.
Seth Doane is in Acciaroli where he met some of the so-called Super Agers.
Newscaster: “Seth, good morning.”
Good morning. There is no doubting the natural beauty of this region.
But this place is raising questions: why are the people here living well beyond Italy’s national average. And why does this have one of the highest concentrations of people over one-hundred years old?
Acciaroli is a place where you can find an eighty-eight (88)-year-old tending the town garden daily, walls no obstacle.
Or the rather spry ninety-four year old, Amina Fadulo.
“I feel young,” she told us from her front window, as one-hundred year old Antonio Visalo joined us.
“I eat and shave and sleep well, and do everything myself,” he said.
Stefano Pisani, Mayor of Acciaroli: “For us, it’s natural.”
Journalist: “It’s natural?”
Stefano Pisani, Mayor: “Yeah . . . we have many people who have lived a hundred years.
Mayor Stefano Pisani figures about one in ten of the residents here are over the age of ninety. He credits the laid-back lifestyle — note his outfit — but says extolling the virtues of this place means only so much coming from the mayor.
Enter Dr. Alan Mayzel.
Journalist: “Can you list what makes these people different?”
Dr. Alan Mayzel, Cardiologist: “They have less Alzheimer. They have less cataracts. They have less bone fractures. We don’t see any heart failure.
They have high-blood pressure, but the heart seems good in practically everyone we measured.
So there’s something there.”
Mayzel, a cardiologist, is part of a team from the University of San Diego that’s working with Rome’s Sapiemza University on a pilot study to look at those “Super Agers” in this region of Cilento.
Dr. Alan Mayzel, Cardiologist: “What we saw in these patients was an amazingly adequate, little, small blood vessels that give things where we want it — and probably remove things we don’t want.”
The research team thinks the diet here, rich in fresh fish and locally grown fruit and vegetables, likely plays an important role.
Ninety-four year old Giuseppe Visalo eats from his back garden daily. He doesn’t eat rich foods.
And the best thing is to be tranquil, he told us.
We asked Dr. Mayzel if they found the “Fountain of Youth” here. He said that they weren’t sure; more research was needed.
He did say the right combination of diet, activity levels, low stress — and maybe something genetic.
Questions
Arteriosclerosis, Heart Disease. In the video, foreigners are interested in the beaches and architecture of the town of Acciaroli in Italy. True or false? Why are they interested in Acciaroli?
Cancer, Malignant Tumor. Do the old people mostly stay in their homes, sit and watch TV or lie in bed?
Stroke, Blood Clot, Hemorrhage. The senior citizens feel like they are eighty, ninety or one-hundred years old. Is this correct or incorrect?
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Senility. Do they need the assistance of others, such as their children or care providers? Do they need help with everyday tasks?
Diabetes. The people here have stressed, hectic and pressured lives. Is this right or wrong?
Pneumonia. Because many residents are so old, they suffer from chronic ailments and diseases. Yes or no?
Anxiety, Depression. Do the locals like to eat chips, biscuits, cakes, donuts, pastries, hamburgers, candy, hotdogs and drink soda?
Health and Wellness. Are there towns or regions in your country where some or many people live to be over ninety or one-hundred?
Wholesome Foods. I know some people who are or were over 90. Yes or no?
Relaxed, Laid Back. What will happen in the future?
Peace of Mind, Tranquility. What are the secrets to a long, healthy life?
Vigor and Vitality. Is there a movement or interest in healthy living? Are there fitness or wellness clubs and groups?
