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ANNOTATION (30 MARKS)

Read the following article.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active. With each step you take,
you travel further down the path to a healthier lifestyle. It is one of the best forms
of exercise that offers tremendous benefits in our lives.

If you want to add seven years to your lifespan, set aside 20 to 25 minutes for a daily walk.
This simple habit has been found to trigger an anti-aging process and even help repair old
DNA. Devito and Masterson (2014) presented their findings at the European Society of
Cardiology Congress, after following 69 people between the ages of 30 and 60 for ten
years. They revealed that those who had engaged in daily moderate exercise such as a
brisk walk or jog, experienced anti-aging benefits that added an additional three to seven
years to their lives.

Several studies also reveal that walking brings about a tremendous amount of health
benefits such as improved heart and joint health; muscle strength and mobility (Knott,
2012; Nevil & Hoffman, 2013). These studies indicate that health benefits also slow down
the aging process indirectly as they help people to be continuously active and keep fit. One
study found that walking for two miles a day or more can cut your chances of
hospitalization from a severe episode of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by about
half (Carson, 2013). Another study by Richmond (2014) found that daily walking reduced
the risk of stroke in men over the age of 50. Richmond also agrees that walking increases
muscle strength, improves blood circulation, and reduces the incidence of physical
disability in those over 65.

Current research shows other benefits of walking, especially brisk walking. As we age, our
brains shrink and the shrinkage is associated with dementia and loss of cognitive functions
such as memory and the ability to concentrate. A study published by Ross and Kendell
(2015) in Neurology has found that the simple act of walking is able to improve memory
and concentration in old age.

Walking can also play a major role in your overall mood as it helps to boost endorphins, or
“feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Researchers Jenkins and Peters (2014) from the

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University of Connecticut discovered that by simply going for a leisurely walk can improve
mood and boost mental well-being, particularly for adults who normally live a sedentary
lifestyle. Walking for just 30 minutes per day has been found to help adults feel healthier
and more confident. This simple practice can help lift mood and fight depressive
symptoms, which in turn improves their ability to complete daily tasks more effectively.

Walking also improves sleep quality. A study conducted by Cancer Research Center (2015)
in Seattle found that people, ages 40 to 65, who took one-hour morning walks, were more
likely to relieve insomnia than those who did not walk. The study also concluded that as
little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, can dramatically improve the
quality of sleep time, especially when done on a regular basis.

In short, walking is a great way to enhance or maintain your overall health. Unlike some
other forms of exercise, walking is free and does not require any special equipment or
training. It is also low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day
and can be performed at your own pace.

Adapted from http//www.healthtodaymagazine.net.

Melanie Rodman (August 2016), pages from 130 -131.
Walking to a better you . Health Today,
Volume 8, Issue 12.

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QUESTION 1

Based on the given article, write an annotation of about 300 words on the benefits of
walking. You are advised to paraphrase and summarise the information critically.

Your annotation should include the following:

• a reference

• four (4) in-text citations at least

• an introduction

• five (5) major points and relevant supporting details

• a critical response to the author’s argument

• appropriate use of language

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(30 marks)

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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