In this enlightening episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I join Brightly's lead clinical pharmacist, Julia Brooks, to explore "The Preventable Accelerators of Decline." While aging is inevitable, we discuss how certain lifestyle choices and conditions can hasten physical and cognitive decline. Julia outlines five key factors—nutrition, exercise, vision and hearing health, social connections, and medication management—that can significantly influence our aging process. We delve into the science behind healthy aging and share actionable insights that empower you to maintain your independence and well-being. Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life as you age.

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Mixing Up Your Meds? Try These Tips and Tricks," I, Hannah McQueen, sit down with consultant pharmacist Julia Brooks from Brightly to explore the complexities of medication management, especially as we age. With a bathroom cabinet full of pills, it can be overwhelming to keep track of what to take and when. Julia emphasizes the importance of understanding your medications, the potential risks of polypharmacy, and the significance of proactive communication with healthcare providers. We share practical tips to help you navigate your medication regimen safely and effectively. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge that can enhance your health and well-being as you age. For further insights, don't miss our full-length podcast on managing your medications for a longer, healthier life.

Why do so many older people insist they’re “fine” when something clearly isn’t right? In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks explains why denial, independence, and fear of being a burden often stop people from speaking up about their health.

You’ll learn how to spot the subtle warning signs: like memory lapses, unsteadiness, poor sleep, or increasing reliance on notes that could point to underlying health issues or medication side effects, not just “normal aging.”

Julia shares practical, compassionate strategies to help a loved one accept support without resistance, including why education, autonomy, and the right messenger (often an independent expert) make all the difference.

If you’re worried about a parent or loved one but don’t know how to approach it, this episode gives you the tools to step in early…and potentially prevent serious decline.

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

Are your medications helping or harming your health as you age?

In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Marc Leishman are joined by clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks to break down why medication management is critical for aging well.

With most people over 65 taking prescription drugs, and many on five or more, Julia explains the risks including side effects, falls, and hospitalisation. She shares how aging changes the way your body handles medication, why regular reviews are essential, and how the wrong meds (or wrong timing) can impact sleep, mood, and energy.

You’ll learn the warning signs your meds might not be right, the role of clinical pharmacists, and how better medication choices can help you live longer and stay independent.

If you or someone you love is on multiple medications, this episode is a must-listen.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at http://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 http://www.podlab.nz

What should you do with your health insurance after 60?

For many Kiwis, health insurance starts out as peace of mind, then as premiums rise sharply it can feel like a punishment for ageing.

In this episode, Hannah McQueen is joined by Abby Woollaston, risk specialist, financial adviser, and director of Redress Advice, to unpack what’s really happening with health insurance as you get older.

Some of the topics Hannah and Abby cover include:

+ Why health insurance premiums rise so sharply after 60

+ The difference between useful cover and expensive extras

+ How excesses can dramatically reduce premiums

+ Why switching providers can backfire

+ What to know about pre-existing conditions, diagnostics, and non-Pharmac drugs

And much more!

This is a practical conversation about whether to keep, fix, or ditch your health insurance after 60, and how to make a smarter decision before a health crisis forces your hand.

If you or your parents have “set and forgot” health insurance, this episode is well worth a listen.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of 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

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 explore the pressing issue of hospital care for older adults with Dr. Cheryl Johnson, a lead geriatrician at Brightly. We delve into the harsh reality that hospitals, often seen as a refuge, can actually be detrimental to seniors' health. With older adults occupying the majority of hospital beds, their hospital stays frequently accelerate frailty and diminish their chances of returning home. We discuss the need for a shift from reactive crisis care to proactive health management, emphasizing preventative measures and community care. Join us as we uncover the true costs of hospital stays for seniors and explore actionable steps to help them age well and maintain independence.

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "The Red Flags Before A Fall," I engage in a vital conversation with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson about the often-overlooked factors contributing to falls among older adults. We explore how medications, cognitive decline, and environmental risks can elevate the chances of falling, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Dr. Johnson shares insights on the significance of bone health and how invisible conditions, like osteoporosis, can lead to serious complications. We discuss the critical need for early intervention and awareness to help maintain independence and prevent hospital admissions. Tune in to gain essential knowledge that could shape your approach to aging well.

In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I sit down with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to address a pressing issue: the risks hospitals pose for older adults. We explore how even seemingly minor health concerns can lead to a dangerous domino effect once admitted. From complications like deconditioning and infections to the psychological impacts of hospital stays, we unpack the multifaceted challenges faced by seniors in clinical settings. Dr. Johnson shares insights on how to proactively avoid admissions and make informed decisions about care. This conversation is essential for anyone wanting to navigate the complexities of aging and health. Tune in for vital information on maintaining independence and wellbeing as we age.

What if the best way to age well is not just to treat illness, but to prevent the hospital admission in the first place?

In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen is joined by Dr. Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to unpack why hospitalization in older adults can be far more serious than most families realize.

They explore the hidden reasons older people end up in hospital, things you might not even think about like medication side effects, the flu, cognitive decline, frailty, etc.

Dr. Johnson explains why a hospital stay can trigger rapid decline in a person’s mental and physical health, especially for adults in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

This conversation is a practical guide for anyone supporting an aging parent or thinking ahead about their own future health. You’ll learn the early warning signs that shouldn’t be dismissed as “just aging,” including near-falls, dizziness, memory changes, worsening balance, sleep disruption, and subtle changes in function.

The episode also covers how to reduce falls risk, why medication reviews matter, and why early, proactive assessment can help older adults stay healthier, stronger, and out of hospital for longer.

If you want to better understand healthy aging and how to support older loved ones at home, this episode is packed with expert insight and practical advice.

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of 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

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 bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Mark Leishman and financial advisor Hannah McQueen break down the five biggest retirement mistakes she sees after decades of advising thousands of clients - mistakes that quietly undermine financial security and independence, which can then lead to a negative impact on long-term health.

The 5 big mistakes include:

1.    Stopping work too abruptly

2.    No income transition plan

3.    Downsizing too late

4.    Underestimating care costs

5.    Overhelping Adult children

For more on this topic, listen to the full-length episode: Are You Ready For Retirement?

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 @thenextbitpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GiGRA8vEx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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

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

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