Beat The GMAT

montz · Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:03 am

A physically active lifestyle has been shown to help increase longevity. In the Wistar region of Bellaria, the average age at death is considerably higher than in any other part of the country. Wistar is the only mountainous part of Bellaria. A mountainous terrain makes even such basic activities as walking relatively strenuous; it essentially imposes a physically active lifestyle on people. Clearly, this circumstance explains the long lives of people in Wistar.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. In Bellaria all medical expenses are paid by the government, so that personal income does not affect the quality of health care a person receives.

B. The Wistar region is one of Bellaria's least populated regions.

C. Many people who live in the Wistar region have moved there in middle age or upon retirement.

D. The many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities that Wistar's mountains offer make it a favorite destination for vacationing Bellarians.

E. Per capita spending on recreational activities is no higher in Wistar than it is in other regions of Bellaria.

OA is
C

Reasoning: "It is assumed here that the healthy lifestyle imposed by the terrain has shaped residents from birth and accounts for their longer life span. So, if many residents only moved there later in life, the argument is weakened."

I can't understand how this assumption can be made? It's not necessary that the longer life span is because the terrain shaped residents from childhood. Even those who moved there in middle age can benefit from the healthy lifestyle imposed by the terrain.

I feel A can be answer. All medical expenses are paid by the government so it's possible that people fall sick but since they can afford the treatment, they live longer.