She's 78. Smart, social, independent — and for six months, she's been in an "engagement" with a Hollywood actor she's never spoken to, never seen on a video call, and never met. He needs money for jet fuel. For a management fee. For a visa. She's sold her jewellery to give it to him. She's sold her wedding ring.

Anita Gatley's mother was widowed after 56 years of marriage, and somewhere in that grief, she became exactly who a highly organised scam industry was looking for. What started as a comment on a Facebook fan page spiralled into WhatsApp, then Telegram, then encrypted apps built for scammers to control the conversation — 24/7 messages, iTunes gift cards traded for untraceable cash, and a family watching someone they love disappear in real time.

In this episode, Anita takes Hannah through what happened when her family tried to get help — and couldn't. Netsafe said it wasn't their jurisdiction. Police said the crime wasn't happening on New Zealand soil. Mental health services confirmed she was delusional, then discharged her anyway. An enduring power of attorney protected the money, but not the relationship, and not their mother.

This is a story about grooming, isolation, and a system with no answers — and a warning for every family who thinks it could never happen to someone they love.

Content note: this episode includes a discussion of suicidal ideation in the context of a family managing a loved one's care. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to Lifeline Aotearoa on 0800 543 354, or free call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor.

The Next Bit Host is: Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Guest: Anita Gatley

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This podcast was written by Shelley Smith and produced by Arama Murray from Mention Direction.

Health insurance can feel like one of those things you set up years ago and hope you never have to think about again. But once you hit your 60s, the reality can change fast: premiums rise, health risks shift, and the difference between public waitlists and private treatment can suddenly become very real.

In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen talks with Abby Woollaston, Risk Specialist at Redress Advice Ltd, about the big health insurance questions people need to ask as they age.

Abby explains what private health insurance can actually do for you, from faster access to specialists, diagnostics and surgery, to more treatment options and support navigating the system. They also talk about public waitlists, hip and knee replacements, major diagnostics, non-Pharmac drugs, family members helping with costs, and the nasty surprises that can happen when people discover too late what their policy does, and does not, cover.

They also unpack practical ways to reduce premiums before cancelling cover altogether, including increasing your excess, removing the bells and whistles, reviewing your policy, and getting proper advice before making a big decision.

Health insurance after 60 is not just about money. It is about time, choice, independence, and avoiding the kind of surprises nobody wants when they are already under pressure.

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

Guest: Abby Woollaston - Risk Specialist at Redress Advice Ltd

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

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

One of the biggest questions families have about retirement villages is surprisingly simple: when do you actually get your money back?

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman talk with Jenny Baldwin, Partner at Anthony Harper, about what happens when someone leaves a retirement village, moves into care, or passes away, and the family is waiting for the unit to be resold.

Jenny explains where to find information about resale timeframes, why the disclosure statement matters, what families should ask the operator, and why past resale times can give you an indication, but not a guarantee.

They also touch on weekly fees after someone moves out, and how many retirement villages now stop those fees when the resident leaves.

Because it’s one thing to understand the contract when you move in, it’s another thing to understand what happens when you move out.

For more on this topic, listen to the full-length episodes, How to Choose the Best Retirement Village and What Are You Really Buying In A Retirement Village.

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

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman, Broadcast and TV Personality

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

Retirement village contracts can be long, confusing and full of legal language. And when every village uses slightly different terms, it can be hard to work out what you’re actually comparing.

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman talk with Jenny Baldwin, Partner at Anthony Harper, about the simple tool that can make comparing retirement village contracts much easier: the key terms summary.

Jenny explains why this short document can help you compare the big things quickly, including the capital sum, weekly fees, whether fees are fixed or can increase, the deferred management fee, deductions at the end of the contract, and what happens if you need to transfer into care.

They also talk about useful retirement village comparison tools like Village Guide and ElderNet.

Because before you sign anything, you need to understand what you’re buying, what you’ll pay, and what happens later.

For more on this topic, listen to the full-length episodes, How to Choose the Best Retirement Village and What Are You Really Buying In A Retirement Village.

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

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman, Broadcast and TV Personality

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

When is the “right” time to start looking at a retirement village? For some people, it’s about lifestyle. For others, it’s about feeling safer, being less isolated, or no longer wanting to deal with the house, garden, maintenance and all the bits that come with running a home.

In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman talk with Jenny Baldwin, Partner at Anthony Harper, about why people move into retirement villages, what to think about before you start looking, and why timing is so important.

They talk about lifestyle, location, safety, security, social connection, affordability, and choosing a village that actually suits how you want to live.

Because moving into a retirement village is not just a property decision. It’s a life decision.

For more on this topic, listen to the full-length episodes, How to Choose the Best Retirement Village and What Are You Really Buying In A Retirement Village.

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

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman, Broadcast and TV Personality

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 episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I’m joined by Jenny Baldwin, a seasoned lawyer specializing in retirement villages and aged care. We delve into the key considerations for choosing the right retirement village, emphasizing the importance of understanding contracts and services. From the vibe of the community to the financial implications, we discuss how to compare different options effectively. Jenny shares insights on the current landscape of retirement living in New Zealand, including the growing demand among older adults. Whether you're contemplating a move or just curious, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your next chapter in life. Tune in for essential tips and expert advice on securing a fulfilling retirement living experience.

For many people, dementia is more frightening than cancer. The fear of forgetting loved ones, the stigma, the sense that you're losing yourself — it's enough to make people avoid a diagnosis altogether. But Brightly's lead geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson says delay is the worst choice you can make, because the earlier you act, the more options you have.

In this episode, Hannah McQueen sits down with Dr. Cheryl to unpack what dementia actually is, and why so much of what we assume about it is wrong. They cover the difference between normal brain aging and the kind of forgetfulness worth taking seriously, how to tell mild cognitive impairment from dementia, and why a diagnosis can take three and a half years in New Zealand when it shouldn't.

Dr. Cheryl breaks down the umbrella of dementia — Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body and the rest — and explains which types respond to medication, how well those drugs work, and the side effects worth watching for. She also shares what has her genuinely excited: new anti-amyloid treatments like lecanemab that could change the game, but only if people are picked up early enough to benefit.

Crucially, this isn't a conversation without hope. Hannah and Dr. Cheryl walk through what you can do right now to protect your brain — exercise, diet, sleep, hearing checks, managing blood pressure and cholesterol — and the surprising number of conditions (like B12 deficiency and thyroid problems) that can look like dementia but are reversible. They also talk honestly about the toll on carers, the challenge of patients who lack insight, and why walking alongside families matters as much as the diagnosis itself.

The message is simple: knowing early is powerful, even when the news isn't what you hoped to hear.

To learn more about Brightly's proactive approach to brain health, dementia diagnosis and treatment, head to agebrightly.co.nz.

The Next Bit Podcast Host is:

Hannah McQueen – Founder of Brightly

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

Most of us assume that staying in our own home as we age is the ideal outcome. After all, home is where we feel comfortable, independent and connected to our memories.

But what happens when staying at home becomes harder than we expected?

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, Hannah McQueen is joined by Brightly Head Nurse Madelaine Young to unpack the often-overlooked realities of ageing in place.

While many older New Zealanders are determined to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, the practical, financial and emotional costs of doing so are rarely discussed. From occasional help with household tasks through to full-time care, the support needed can increase gradually—or suddenly—and families are often left navigating complex decisions without a clear plan.

Hannah and Madelaine explore the hidden pressures placed on unpaid caregivers, the difficult conversations families need to have, and the role adult children often find themselves playing as their parents' needs evolve.

They discuss the importance of planning early, understanding the support services available, and recognising when a current living arrangement may no longer be safe or sustainable.

Plus, why rural living can create additional challenges, how to balance independence with safety, and the warning signs that more support may be needed.

Whether you're supporting ageing parents, thinking about your own future, or simply want to understand what ageing well at home really involves, this episode offers practical insights, compassionate advice and plenty of food for thought.

The Next Bit Podcast Host is:

Hannah McQueen – Founder of Brightly

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

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

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of memory loss and its implications as we age. Join me as I speak with Dr. Di North, head GP at Brightly, who sheds light on the misconception that forgetfulness is just a natural part of aging. We explore the gray zone of cognitive decline and the importance of early intervention, discussing how proactive measures can help manage or even reverse mild cognitive impairment before it progresses to dementia. Dr. North emphasizes that memory loss should not be normalized and provides valuable insights on how to navigate conversations around cognitive health with loved ones. Tune in for essential advice on maintaining brain health and the steps we can take to age brightly.

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast titled "You can’t eat your house – now what?", I dive deep into a pressing issue faced by many retirees: being asset-rich yet cash-poor. As homeowners, many find their wealth tied up in property, leaving them without sufficient cash flow to support their lifestyle. Joined by financial expert Hannah McQueen, we explore five practical strategies to enhance liquidity in retirement. From downsizing and renting to innovative family investments, we discuss how to navigate these choices effectively. This episode aims to empower listeners with insights to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Tune in to discover actionable solutions that can make a real difference in your retirement planning.