What Can I Work On?
Protect the capabilities that help you think, remember, plan, connect and enjoy life. Explore brain health, cognition, mental wellbeing, sleep, social connection, purpose and the lifestyle factors associated with healthier cognitive ageing.
Healthy ageing is not about one number, one exercise or one food. This hub brings together the explanations, practical actions and evidence connected with Brain Health & Mental Wellbeing.
Use the resources below to understand the topic, connect it with the relevant parts of the OVER 60s QoL Guys system and identify useful next steps. Measurement should support better decisions — not simply collect numbers.
PROTECT CAPABILITY AND WELLBEING
Brain Health & Mental Wellbeing brings together the capabilities that help you think, remember, plan, regulate emotion, connect with others and participate meaningfully in life. It overlaps with — but is broader than — simply trying to 'prevent dementia'.
Physical activity, cardiovascular and metabolic health, sleep, hearing, vision and other health factors can influence cognitive and functional ageing. Brain health should therefore be treated as part of whole-body health rather than as an isolated organ problem.
Social connection, meaningful activity and psychological wellbeing are important parts of healthy ageing. They also influence whether people engage in movement, nutrition, sleep and other behaviours that support health.
Regular physical activity, appropriate exercise, good sleep practices, social participation, mentally engaging activities and management of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors form a practical foundation. Addressing hearing or vision impairment and seeking help for persistent mood symptoms can also be important.
No single puzzle, supplement, food or 'brain exercise' has been proven to guarantee protection from cognitive decline or dementia. Evidence should be interpreted by outcome, population and study quality rather than converted into promises.
Pay attention to changes in memory and daily function, sleep, mood, social engagement, movement and other relevant capabilities. Formal cognitive or mental-health assessment belongs with appropriately qualified professionals when symptoms are concerning or persistent.
The Whole Body Health Assessment helps you look across health, capability and daily behaviour so you can identify strengths, gaps and priorities.
Start the Whole Body Health AssessmentEducational information only. The assessment and website do not diagnose disease or replace individual medical care.