Everyone deserves more time in good health, and science shows that nearly everyone, regardless of genetics, can take steps to improve their 'health span' – the period in life when someone is generally in good health. While aging is inevitable, how you age is within your control. This blog introduces Take Five to Age Well (Take5). 

Take5 is a public health campaign based on inclusive, participatory principles, empowering people to adopt healthier behaviours. It focuses on improving health, enhancing self-management, and addressing inequalities.

Participants pledge to act in five key areas:

• eating well
• staying hydrated
• staying active
• connecting socially
• and engaging in cognitive stimulation.

Through a 31-day pledge, Take5 combines self-care actions with motivation to establish lasting routines. 

Take5 has a national reach across the four countries of the UK, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We have over 200 partners who share the promote the campaign including local authorities, NHS organisations, third sector partners and independent companies.  

There are 5 areas where you can choose to form new habits:

• Eat: healthy eating can boost our longevity 
• Drink: stay well hydrated for healthy ageing 
• Move: exercise boosts body and mind 
• Connect and Engage: make and maintain social connections for your health 
• Think: use your brain to stay sharp.

As the Take5 lead for Scotland, I have been actively promoting Take5 alongside my colleagues across the UK. Take5 is running across the month of May in 2025 and you can still sign up here: Take Five to Age Well: Empowering the UK towards longer, healthier lives | Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies.

I’ll be taking part myself and have pledged to increase my water intake as I know I don’t drink nearly enough.