Most of us assume the mortgage will be gone by retirement, the kids will eventually leave home, Mum and Dad will have things sorted and things will get easier.

The reality is much messier. Many carry a mortgage for longer, help children for longer, and start to discover that their parents’ retirement plan is non-existent.

In this episode of Age Brightly, Hannah McQueen talks to Katie Wesney, National Coaching Lead at enable.me, about the financial squeeze facing the ‘sandwich generation’.

Katie explains why the old retirement maths no longer works, what happens when parents are not on track, and why adult children need to understand their own numbers before they start rescuing everyone else.

Hannah and Katie talk about how paying board can preserve dignity, the stresses of managing sibling tension and the invisible labour that often falls to one person (spoiler alert: the daughter).

Plus, why ‘fair’ and ‘equal’ are not the same thing, why an inheritance is not a financial plan, and why one uncomfortable conversation over a cuppa (or something stronger) could prevent a world of stress later.

If you are paying the mortgage, raising kids, worrying about Mum and Dad, and wondering when exactly you were promoted to family shock absorber, this episode is for you.

The Next Bit podcast Host is:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

This week’s guest is:

Katie Wesney, National Coaching Lead at www.enable.me

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Most of us want to age well, and are happy to take the supplements, wear the sleep ring and sit in the sauna in the pursuit of that.

But the things making us feel good, and allow us to pat ourselves on the back for being proactive about our health don’t actually tell us what’s really going on in our bodies.

In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen confesses her fondness for collagen gummies to Brightly’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Manoj Patel and he gives her a reality check! “You could have the best skin in the world and still have a heart attack”.

Hannah asks Dr Patel about biomarkers - the measurable clues that give you a peek ‘under the hood’ of your health – why one blood test rarely tells the whole story and the difference between wellness habits and clinical risk.

Plus: can magnesium really increase your falls risk?

If you want to take a proactive approach to your health as you age - and focus on the things that really matter - this episode is for you.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster

Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, join me, Hannah McQueen, as I sit down with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to explore the critical topic of care levels as we age. We delve into essential conversations about staying out of the hospital and the difficult decision of transitioning a spouse into care. Dr. Johnson breaks down the needs assessment process and explains the various levels of care available, from rest homes to private hospitals and specialized dementia units. We unpack the complexities of caregiving, the emotional toll on families, and the importance of making informed decisions for our loved ones. Tune in for valuable insights that can shape the next chapter of your life or the life of someone you care about.

Join me on this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "From Carer Back To Partner," where we explore the challenging transition from caregiver to spouse. In our previous discussion, we examined the tough decision to move a loved one into care. Now, we delve into the emotional aftermath of that decision. How do you redefine your identity when your role changes from caregiver to partner? I’m joined by Dr. Cheryl Johnson, a lead geriatrician, who shares insights on navigating this complex emotional landscape. Together, we address the feelings of guilt, loss, and how to reclaim your relationship beyond caregiving duties. Learn practical strategies for fostering connection and emotional presence, ensuring that your bond remains strong in this new chapter of life. Tune in to find support and guidance as you navigate this profound transition.

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I engage with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to explore the challenging transition when your spouse becomes your patient. We delve into the delicate dynamics of caregiving and the impact it can have on relationships, highlighting the risks of neglecting one's own health in the process. Dr. Johnson shares valuable insights on recognizing the signs that it may be time for professional care, emphasizing that decisions often arise from crises, such as hospital admissions. Together, we discuss the emotional complexities that caregivers face, including guilt and the pressure of societal expectations. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that addresses the realities of aging and offers guidance on navigating these critical decisions with compassion and clarity.

No one gets married thinking, “One day I might have to move you into care.” But for many couples, that becomes one of the hardest, most loving decisions they’ll ever face.

In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen talks with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr. Cheryl Johnson, about what really happens when a spouse becomes a full-time carer, and when looking after someone at home is no longer safe or sustainable.

They talk about carer burnout, guilt, family pressure, dementia, rest home care, private hospital care, needs assessments, and how to know when it might be time to ask for help.

If you’re caring for your partner, supporting ageing parents, or wondering how much longer things can keep going as they are, this episode will resonate.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole-person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

The Next Bit Host is:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast

This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz

Ilona Rodgers became a household name in New Zealand in the 1980s with her role of Maxine Redfern in the iconic TV show Gloss.

Now, at nearly 84, Ilona is still as vibrant as ever. Still active, and living with a sense of purpose that most people spend a lifetime trying to find.

In this Mothers Day special, the legendary New Zealand actress sits down with Hannah and Mark to reflect on a life that has spanned continents, stages, and generations. From performing live television in the early days of Doctor Who to becoming a household name in Gloss, and now living on a 24-acre property in North Canterbury.

Some of the topics we cover include:

+ What it was like performing live-to-air television in the 1960s (no edits, no safety net, no second chances)

+ The reality of aging brightly, and why curiosity is so important.

+ Falling in love, marriage, and 50 years of partnership

+ Life on a farm: tree planting, sheep, and slowing down (whether you like it or not)

+ The emotional truth about death, and why Ilona isn’t afraid of it

+ And why community and purpose become everything as you get older.

This episode is about acting, aging, loss, curiosity, and what it really means to live a good life and to Age Brightly.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster

Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast

This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz

Retirement is the time when many people finally take that trip of a lifetime. But long-haul travel takes a different toll as you get older.

In this episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Dr Andrew Nelson, a GP and travel medicine specialist, to break down what you actually need to think about before you book, and before you board.

We cover the practical realities of travelling in your 60s and beyond:

+ How to prepare properly before you leave (including medications, medical clearance, and vaccines)

+ What long-haul flights really do to your body, and how to reduce risks like blood clots

+ Why simple things like hydration, movement, and even alcohol can make a big difference

+ How to manage jet lag and recover faster at your destination

+ What to pack to stay safe (including a few surprising items)

+ And what to do if something goes wrong while you’re overseas

If you or someone you know is planning a big overseas trip, send them this episode: it might save them a lot of hassle and ensure their trip is the dream holiday it deserves to be.

Live well and be independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

Dr Andrew Nelson works for https://worldwise.co.nz/

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster

Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast

This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz

In this engaging episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I, Hannah McQueen, dive into the often-overlooked topic of sex after 60, challenging the misconception that intimacy fades with age. Joined by sex therapist Edit Horvath, we explore how pleasure and connection can thrive well into later life. We discuss the physiological changes that may affect libido, the importance of communication in relationships, and the unique challenges faced by those navigating new romances after loss or separation. With insights into the vibrant social lives of older adults, particularly in retirement communities, this episode is a celebration of sexuality at any age. Tune in to discover how intimacy can continue to flourish, reminding us all that age is just a number when it comes to connection and desire.

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman revisit one of the most revealing moments from their conversation with retirement village lawyer Jenny Baldwin; the reality of what happens when disputes arise inside a village.

From everyday tensions and personality clashes to bigger issues around maintenance, resale delays, and behavioural concerns linked to ageing and dementia, Jenny explains how the complaints process actually works, who steps in, and what residents can do when things escalate.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the side of retirement village life most people don’t think about until something goes wrong.

If you or someone you love is considering village living, this is essential listening.

For the full conversation with Jenny Baldwin, go back and listen to:

- What Are You Really Buying in a Retirement Village?

and

- How to Choose the Best Retirement Village

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster

Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast

This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz