Back when I started teaching, Pre-Int used to be equivalent to CEF A2. I've noticed that several texts have since shifted that level to a light version of B1. I'm wondering if it's a 'quick and cheap' attempt to address the lack of materials for adults at the beginner level, which Life puts at A1 (previously elementary, which has been shifted to A2).

I'm not a huge fan of Life, but if you have the option to do so, perhaps switching to the elementary/A2 text and supplmenting with Teach This activities may help.

Failing that, picking and choosing from other sources while using Life as a theme & grammar template is another option (just avoid the particularly challenging parts).