Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?

Visit our sign-up page. It is quick, free and easy.

Why should I sign up?

This pledge is about making small daily changes to have long-term, positive impacts on your health and wellbeing. Join the growing community of pledgers who will support you all the way. It’s free to join, so you have nothing to lose. 

Can I help someone else sign up?

Yes. If you are a carer, or support someone that wants to do the pledge but doesn’t have internet access, you are welcome to sign up on their behalf and help them with their pledge. Why not join in together?

I don’t have access to the internet – can I join the pledge?

During our first year, we have worked closely with Age Scotland who offered and piloted offline pledging. We have coproduced five wellbeing diaries. Age Scotland also produced a guide to offline pledging outlining what resources organisations, who would like to support offline pledging, may need to be able to support groups and/or individuals effectively. These resources will be added here soon.

If you are an individual maybe you know someone who could help you sign up online, or perhaps get internet access at your local library or your local Age UK organisation.

Can I tell my friends about the pledge?

Yes, please do – joining with others makes it easier for you to complete the pledge because you can support and encourage each other.

Can I take part if I live outside of the UK?

Yes. Although the pledge is aimed at UK residents, working with UK partners, everyone is welcome to join, wherever you are based.

I am under 50 years old - can I take part?

Yes. Although we are targeting those aged 50+, the pledge is beneficial to everyone’s health, and available to all. 

I’m not in good health - can I still take part?

The pledge is for everyone, regardless of physical or mental health. It is designed to be flexible around your needs and preferences. We encourage you to personalise your pledge because you know what works for you – you can tailor your pledge commitments to challenge yourself while still being attainable.

I am worried about my health - who can I speak to?

If you have any health concerns, please contact your GP. The pledge does not offer medical advice.

Where can I share my pledge activities?

We have a website called nQuire where you can create a profile and post about your activities - this is a great way to connect with others and record your achievements.

How will I be supported during the pledge?

We are here to cheer you on by providing encouragement, ideas, and tips by email to help you complete the pledge. We have also built a free Whatsapp coach that can give you daily reminders and support messages.

What are some top tips for ageing well? 

• Stand on one leg while you brush your teeth
• Drink a glass of water before every snack and meal
• Choose a vegetable you wouldn’t normally buy and find a recipe to try it
• Snack on a portion of mixed nuts and seeds throughout the day
• Spend 5 minutes doing something creative: you could draw a picture, play an instrument, or try an origami online tutorial
• Offer to walk a friend’s dog - spending time with animals is calming and walking in nature is good for the body and brain
• Learn something new! For example, check out the huge range of free courses on OpenLearn
• Arrange a regular neighbourly catch-up - invite people over for a drink or meet in the park. Interacting with your neighbours helps you feel connected and builds a happier community.

Which partners are involved?

We have a growing range of partners including NHS Trusts and charities across the UK. For a full list, check out the Partners page of this website.

Which big names are involved?

We are working closely with several well-known ambassadors to spread the word about the pledge. Keep your eyes peeled!

I work for an organisation that would like to help promote the pledge – how can we get involved?

Please contact Rachel & Sinead. Rachel Millar rachel.millar@open.ac.uk; Sinead Eccles sinead.eccles@open.ac.uk.

I would like to talk about partnering or supporting the pledge - how can we get involved?

We’d love to hear from you. We would love support for the pledge to continue running also in future years – please contact Tracy Grunwell: tracy.grunwell@open.ac.uk.

How is the pledge funded?

Take Five to Age well is funded by The Open University Open Societal Challenges Programme - Challenge Us!

We are also continuously exploring funding option to repeat the pledge in future years. Please let Tracy Grunwell tracy.grunwell@open.ac.uk know if you are able to support us.

What research underpins the pledge?

The pledge is underpinned by academic research largely from The Open University. Dr. Jitka Vseteckova, the lead academic on the project, runs the Ageing Well Public Talks and has established the Five Pillars of Ageing Well on which the pledge is based.

The pledge also draws on other leading research, including expertise from Dr. Erica Cook regarding behaviour change.

We are always keen to hear from other academics who may want to be involved in the pledge, including helping us to amplify its impacts.