The Next Bit Podcast

Hannah McQueen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Medicine
  • 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. How to choose the best retirement village

    2d ago

    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.

    32 min
  2. Dementia: What can be slowed, better managed, and even reversed?

    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

    59 min
  3. The hidden costs of your parents staying in their own home as they age

    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

    47 min
  4. More than a senior moment – why we shouldn’t normalise memory loss

    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.

    35 min
  5. You can’t eat your house – now what?

    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.

    29 min
  6. Are you the meat in the generational financial sandwich?

    May 25

    Are you the meat in the generational financial sandwich?

    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 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

    43 min
  7. Why collagen gummies aren’t a health plan

    May 18

    Why collagen gummies aren’t a health plan

    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. 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

    44 min
  8. The Levels of Care Explained

    May 14

    The Levels of Care Explained

    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.

    11 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit

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