Ready for Anything: Growing older in New Zealand, what you need to know

So you're getting older - aren't we all? And you're far too busy to worry about planning for things that might never happen. Wrong. A little preparation now could save you from the legal and financial minefields of old age‚ after all‚ having your legal and financial affairs sorted means knowing your wishes will be carried out - and there won't be any nasty surprises should your circumstances change.

Lawyer Catriona MacLennan sets out the things you need to know about growing older in New Zealand‚ in a practical and accessible way‚ including:

* Can family members change your will against your wishes?
* What happens if you need to appoint someone to manage your affairs?
* What is a 'living will'?
* What is a home equity release scheme and how might it apply to you?
* Staying in your own home or moving to a retirement village - what are your options?
* Who pays if you need help in the home or can't afford rest-home care?
* What help is available in the community?
* Who can you turn to if you need advice?

With a comprehensive list of resources‚ Ready for Anything is the quintessential handbook to an informed and independent old age‚ and should be required reading for every baby boomer now hitting sixty and beyond. Like the proverbial stitch‚ in uncertain financial times‚ some prudent planning and decisions now can save a whole nine yards of pain later‚ when you're least equipped to manage it.