The Open University’s “Take Five to Age Well” Wins National Self Care Award 2025

Posted on 11 November 2025 • Health, University news

The Open University is celebrating national recognition after its Take Five to Age Well initiative was named winner of the 2025 Self Care Award by the Self-Care Forum. The award, announced ahead of National Self Care Week (17–23 November), recognises the project’s innovative approach to helping older adults build lasting healthy habits and fostering community wellbeing. 

This year’s theme, “Mind & Body”, highlights the importance of nurturing both mental and physical health through small, sustainable actions, an approach that sits at the heart of Take Five to Age Well. The Open University-led project encourages individuals to focus on five simple daily habits: eat, drink, move, connect, and think. 

Judges praised the initiative for its “exceptional impact and reach,” noting that 87% of participants maintained their new healthy habits nine months later and that the project’s 500 community partners made it a “clear winner.” Developed through co-design with older adults, carers, clinicians, and charities, Take Five to Age Well combines research excellence with practical, accessible tools, both digital and offline, to support people of all backgrounds, including those who are digitally excluded. 

Since its 2023 pilot and national rollout in 2025, the initiative has engaged over 5,000 participants and become a model for preventative health and healthy ageing across the UK. 

Dr Jitka Vseteckova, Open University programme lead for Take Five to Age Well, said, “We’re delighted to see Take Five recognised with this award. It’s a testament to the strength of community partnerships and the power of small, daily actions to improve both mind and body. Our aim has always been to make healthy ageing achievable for everyone.” 

The success of Take Five to Age Well also demonstrates the impact of The Open University’s Open Societal Challenges programme, which brings together world-leading research and lived experiences to address some of the most urgent issues such as wellbeing, tackling inequalities and sustainability. 

This award is a fantastic endorsement of the Open University’s research excellence and commitment to impactful research that improves lives.