Haringey has among the highest levels of frailty among over 50s in London. There has been an increase in over 65-year-olds living with moderate/severe frailty since the COVID-19 pandemic1 . In its strategy document ‘Improving Population Health in North Central London’, the North Central London Integrated Care System referred to ‘age well’ as a key aspect of its population health strategy.

Our research project investigates the levels of awareness and engagement with the Five pillars for Ageing Well among Haringey residents for promoting and encouraging engagement in healthy ageing behaviours.

Growing evidence supports festivals as effective community initiatives for building social capital and promoting inclusion (Stevenson, 2016). The Haringey Age Well Festival 2025, a one-day event, promoted the five pillars of healthy ageing through interactive zones and collaboration with local groups. Building on The Open University’s AWPTS and ‘Take Five to Age Well’ campaign, the festival extended engagement to more diverse communities and emphasised social influence and active participation as behaviour change tools. The festival worked with over 40 local organisations to create zones that aimed to promote the five pillars of ageing well.

The first festival in 2024 attracted over 600 attendees, with 84% aged 50+,19% aged 75+, 41% identifying as White and 34% as Black or Black British.

In 2025 the festival attracted circa 750 attendees, with 86% aged 55+, 39% aged 75+, with 35% identifying as White, 35% as Black or Black British, and the remainder as Asian or from mixed/multiple ethnic groups. This reflects more ethnically diverse visitors in 2025 festival.
 

Our findings indicate that local community events can be successfully used to raise awareness about ageing well and are effective in enhancing both knowledge and motivation to engage people in healthy ageing initiatives. These events can provide a valuable learning environment, offering accessible information and practical examples of how to incorporate the Five Pillars for Ageing Well into daily life.