The Ageing Lab

Alan Gow, Professor of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh delivered a keynote address at the Social Capital 2026 Conference, highlighting the importance of social connections for improved brain health outcomes. Professor Gow is a leading authority on brain health, cognitive ageing, and dementia‑related cognitive decline, whose research focuses on lifestyle and social factors that can reduce the risk and impact of age‑related cognitive disorders. In his address, he explains how social connections and leisure activities support sustained thinking skills throughout life and help reduce the likelihood of age-related cognitive decline. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on mental health featuring leading global experts in healthcare and well-being, including Dr Ahmad Al Khayer, CEO of the Cambridge Health Group; Giulia Slater, Researcher in Economics and Wellbeing at STATEC Research in Luxembourg; and Shupikai zebron, Regional Programme Coordinator and Senior lecturer at Zimbabwe Open University. They also explored how older adults can prioritise healthy ageing to preserve their independence and quality of life. As Day 2 progresses, stay tuned for sessions on entrepreneurship, governance, social capital and AI, and more. Click here for the complete programme: socialcapital2026.com/program/ #HWUDubai #SCC26 #SocialCapital2026

Want to know what we've been up to? Take a look at our February newsletter mailchi.mp/fced66582144/h…

Age Scotland is working with @HeriotWattUni and @UniStrathclyde on the CONSOLIDATE project, exploring how people with dementia can live more independently and how technology can help. Share your experience in this short (10 - 15 min) survey: 👉forms.office.com/pages/response…

Important work by my colleagues co-developing ideas that harness technology to help people with dementia remain independent at home for longer. If you feel you can contribute, please share your experience in this survey.

The belief that challenging our brains through stimulating activities like learning something new or connecting with others makes a lot of sense. If we want our brain to stay in peak condition we should use it. Read our five top tips for an active brain. agescotland.org.uk/news/1561-will…

Heriot-Watt University wants to wish a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our students, staff, and alumni who are celebrating all over the world. 💙 #HeriotWattUni

Happy New Year to all our colleagues and students @HWUMalaysia

And now a very Happy New Year to our colleagues and students @HWUDubai

Wishing everyone a very happy New Year from all of us at Heriot-Watt University Dubai! We look forward to another year of learning, innovation, and impact.

And finally, Happy New Year to all @heriotwatt_soss and @HeriotWattUni in Edinburgh. See you in 2026!

Happy New Year to our students, colleagues and collaborators. Here's to a productive 2026! We hope you enjoy the rest of the break and we’ll see you soon @HeriotWattUni, @HWUDubai and @HWUMalaysia

Happy New Year from Heriot-Watt University to all our students, staff, and alumni across our global campuses. 💙  We’re wishing you every success for the year ahead. 🙌 📸 Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam  #HeriotWattUni

Our @TheAgeingLab colleagues have shared their Christmas Newsletter, with highlights of their research on healthy ageing @heriotwatt_soss/@HeriotWattUni from the past year

We know it can be a difficult time for many, so remember @agescotland’s #FriendshipLine has people who will listen, provide friendship and offer support. A free helpline for older people, their carers and families in Scotland: 0800 12 44 222, Mon-Fri 9-5.

Merry Christmas from @TheAgeingLab! Explore our highlights from 2025 in our Christmas Newsletter go.hw.ac.uk/ALNewsletter20…, with thanks to our participants, partners, supporters and funders! And all the best for a healthy New Year. Here’s to 2026!

Want to know what we've been up to? Take a look at our November newsletter mailchi.mp/f907a9f38ebc/h…

Want to know what we've been up to? Take a look at our October newsletter mailchi.mp/e0cdd030f7da/h…