5 easy habits for a longer, healthier, happier life: OU announces challenge empowering UK to age well

Launching on 1 May 2025 and taking place during the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing, the month-long Take Five to Age Well challenge will build a UK-wide movement of people committed to ageing well behaviours, with a lasting impact on their health and well-being. 

The challenge builds upon the Five Pillars of Ageing Well, devised by Dr. Jitka Vseteckova at The Open University (OU). 

Having run Ageing Well public talks, Dr. Jitka Vseteckova wanted to bring the growing research in this area to a larger audience, she said: 

“This campaign tackles an urgent national health challenge; we have an ageing population in a landscape of overwhelmed social care and NHS services. Through the Take Five to Age Well pledge we hope to engage people with their health and wellbeing. 

"This will support the sustainability of existing interventions and contribute to our understanding of how we can effectively change our health-related behaviours. We want to build a healthy population for a happier society.”

Akin to the tried and tested Dry January and Stoptober models, Take Five to Age Well challenges people to sign up online to a choice of commitments in 5 areas: Eat, Drink, Move, Connect and Engage, and Think. 

Robustly scientific, everyone will be supported via email and an optional webchat ‘coach’. 

I am signing up to Take Five To Age Well because every age and stage of life is unique and precious.”
Kaye Adams, Scottish TV presenter

Kaye Adams, Scottish TV presenter and author said: 

“I am signing up to Take Five To Age Well because every age and stage of life is unique and precious. The privilege of getting older is a great gift and I want to make the most of every moment!”

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive at Age Scotland said: 

"Take Five to Age Well is a great way to learn about and try out the many ways in which you can age better. There's something for everyone and you decide what works for you. 

"So, join our many members in Scotland and sign up today!"

8 April 2025