2.Famous centenarians (百岁老人) are still active in arts and science,unwilling to retire."Those who stand still,die,"says Oliveira,the Portuguese film director.He knows from experience what it means,as he has reached 102 and is still active in his profession.Every year,Oliveira produces a film and is currently working on his next project."You have to work,work,work in order to forget that death is not far away,"he said.When asked about his age,Oliveira said modestly:"Mother nature (大自然母亲) gave me what it took from others."
Being mentally and physically fit in old age is partly a matter of luck,but it also has something to do with character.Not every white-haired person is wise.Social skills,openness and the ability to train the brain are vital for senior citizens.
Along with the architect Niemeyer (103),Nobel Prize winner Montalcini (101)and director Maetzig (100),Oliveira is one of those who are fit and active.It would be very wrong to think of them as members of a sickly elderly generation.
Another master in his profession is the architect Niemeyer.The 103-year-old Brazilian is best known for his fantastic buildings in Brasilia,but he also speaks out on behalf of the poor."The role of the architect is to struggle for a better world where we can develop a form of architecture that serves everyone and not just a rich few,"said Niemeyer recently.He spends almost every day working in his office in Copacabana,and even when he falls ill he keeps working on ideas:After an operation he composed a music tune in the clinic.
Another man who could sing a song about age is 107-year-old Heesters.The Dutch-born opera singer spent most of his life performing in Germany,where he still works.Recently Heesters said:"I want to be at least 108years old."He also plans to keep performing.
"Should I just sit at home and wait until they come and pick me up?" Heesters has not given up trying to add to his awards and is looking for a"good stage role".
Italian scientist Montalcini,who is 101years old and is still active in medical science,has described the force that keeps driving her on:"Progress is created through imperfection."In 1986she and her lab colleague were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for their work on nerve growth factor.She's convinced that humans grow on challenges.
Age's no problem to some high achievers.The past also has many examples of elderly people who stayed very active into old age.
41.From the first two paragraphs,we can seeC.
A.being active at 102is possible for everybody
B.Oliveira's mother helps him to live a long life
C.being fit in old age is a matter of luck and character
D.social skills and wisdom are difficult for old people
42.How many centenarians are mentioned in this passage?B
A.4
B.5
C.6
D.7
43.It isB who speaks out for the poor and builds houses for all.
A.Oliveira
B.Niemeyer
C.Montalcini
D.Maetzig
44.By saying "Should I just sit at home and wait until they come and pick me up?",Heesters shows us heC.
A.wants to sit or lie in comfort
B.is waiting for people to pick him up
C.is willing to work till he dies
D.prefers to give performance at home
45.The best title for this passage may be"D".
A.The Older,the Wiser You'll Be
B.Progress,Created Through Imperfection
C.How to Live to Be a Centenarian
D.Age No Problem to Some High Achievers.