The Next Bit Podcast

Hannah McQueen
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  • Updated Weekly

Ageing isn’t overwhelming. It’s just the next bit. Real NZ stories, expert advice and practical tools to help you — and the people you love — stay confident, independent and informed as you age. Hosted by Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman, with new episodes every week, The Next Bit is a podcast designed to help New Zealanders learn how to age well and support their whānau with clarity. Whether you’re planning your own next chapter, supporting ageing parents, or simply wanting to stay independent for as long as possible, you’re in the right place. https://www.thenextbitpod.com

  1. 5d ago

    When Do You Actually Get Your Money Back From a Retirement Village?

    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 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 Do You Actually Get Your Money Back From a Retirement Village?

  2. Jul 13

    The Simple Trick to Comparing Retirement Village Contracts

    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

    The Simple Trick to Comparing Retirement Village Contracts

  3. Jul 6

    When Is the Right Time to Move Into a Retirement Village?

    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

    When Is the Right Time to Move Into a Retirement Village?

  4. Jun 29

    How to choose the best retirement village

    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.

    How to choose the best retirement village

  5. Jun 22

    Dementia: What can be slowed, better managed, and even reversed?

    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 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

    Dementia: What can be slowed, better managed, and even reversed?

  6. Jun 15

    The hidden costs of your parents staying in their own home as they age

    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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheNextBitPodcast

    The hidden costs of your parents staying in their own home as they age

  7. Jun 8

    More than a senior moment – why we shouldn’t normalise memory loss

    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.

    More than a senior moment – why we shouldn’t normalise memory loss

  8. Jun 1

    You can’t eat your house – now what?

    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.

    You can’t eat your house – now what?
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About

Ageing isn’t overwhelming. It’s just the next bit. Real NZ stories, expert advice and practical tools to help you — and the people you love — stay confident, independent and informed as you age. Hosted by Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman, with new episodes every week, The Next Bit is a podcast designed to help New Zealanders learn how to age well and support their whānau with clarity. Whether you’re planning your own next chapter, supporting ageing parents, or simply wanting to stay independent for as long as possible, you’re in the right place. https://www.thenextbitpod.com

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah McQueen
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean

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