Do you want to live healthier and happier for longer? You are in the right place.
You do not have a choice whether you age or not but you do have a choice about how you age.
|
There are simple habits that can help you keep strong, sharp, independent, and feeling good;
|
The Ageing Well Toolkit provides expert advice and support on how to age well in Dumfries and Galloway.
|
Want to live healthier and happier for longer? You can’t choose whether you age, but you can choose how you age. Small changes make a big difference.
Move: Find activities you enjoy and start gradually, include muscle-strengthening twice a week, set realistic goals and celebrate progress and stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear.
Resources:
Eat: Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, include at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily and have a nutritious breakfast every day.
Resources:
Drink: Drink 6–8 cups of water daily, limit caffeine and sugary drinks and keep alcohol within recommended limits.
Resources:
Connect & Engage: Call or meet a friend daily, get to know your neighbours and share hobbies or join local groups.
Resources:
Think: Learn something new, do puzzles or play games and practice mindfulness daily.
Resources:
Tips for making then maintaining your change
Small steps lead to lasting habits. Here’s how to make changes stick:
- Make it specific: Choose an action you can measure (e.g., eat 6 portions of fruit and veg daily, walk 30 minutes, or cut down to 8 units of alcohol).
- Make it achievable: Pick goals that are realistic for you—challenging but doable every day.
Other useful links:
- Take care of your feet – important for balance and staying active
- Sleep well – supports memory and mood
- Give up smoking – improves taste, smell, and lowers disease risk
Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership thank the Open University for permission to use content from the Take Five to Age Well campaign on the DG Doing More website.
(Updated 13 November 2025)