Peter Thornton, author of “The Later Years” discusses practical advice for organising one’s life in the later years. He describes his experience with older parents and friends, emphasising the importance of practical checklists and positive outlooks. He advises drafting a will, creating a “death file” with essential documents, and maintaining physical and social health. Thornton also highlights the benefits of technology like video doorbells and personal alarms for safety. The conversation touches on the need for legal paperwork, such as lasting powers of attorney and advanced decisions, to ensure one’s wishes are met.
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The Later Years - organising the rest of your life with Peter Thornton
Age & Stage Podcast – episode 13 – Sir Peter Thornton KC and his book The Later Years.
Peter Thornton’s book The Later Years: The Simple Guide to Organising the Rest of Your Life offers a straightforward, practical approach to ageing well and planning ahead. Drawing on personal experience supporting elderly relatives, Peter provides a clear, compassionate roadmap for individuals and families to navigate later life with confidence and dignity.
Planning Ahead: Start Early
Peter’s central message is the importance of preparation. His book began life as a simple list he shared with friends who were dealing with bereavement or ageing parents. The checklist included urgent tasks for the first few days after a death, and longer-term items that often get overlooked. That list became the framework for a wider guide to later-life planning — a resource both practical and reassuring.
Peter is clear: he doesn’t want to tell people what to do. Everyone’s circumstances are different. But he strongly recommends one non-negotiable: draft a will. Without it, the law decides what happens to your estate. It’s a conversation families should have more openly — not out of morbid curiosity, but mutual respect.
The “Death File” – A Simple but Powerful Tool
One of Peter’s most practical suggestions is creating a “death file” — a clearly marked folder (his is pink) containing essential documents: birth and marriage certificates, bank details, National Insurance numbers, GP contact, insurance policies, and even a short personal memoir. This not only supports loved ones after death but also gives the individual peace of mind that their affairs are in order.
It’s a two-way benefit. As Peter notes, reviewing your accounts may even prompt action — like finding long-forgotten funds to use or gift while you’re still around to enjoy it.
Legal Essentials
In addition to a will, Peter advises setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) — for health and welfare, and for property and finance — in case you’re unable to make decisions later. He also recommends considering an Advance Decision (to refuse treatment) or an Advance Statement (to express your preferences for care). These can provide clarity and control in medical emergencies.
Housing and Living Independently
Peter encourages people to adapt their homes so they can live independently for longer. Suggestions include decluttering, installing handrails or stairlifts, or even downsizing to a more manageable property. Simple changes, like brighter lighting or reducing trip hazards, can make a big difference.
He also supports homeshare schemes, where older people with a spare room host younger lodgers, such as students, in exchange for light support and companionship. This can ease loneliness, reduce costs, and increase safety — a win-win for both generations.
Embracing Technology
Thornton urges older adults to embrace basic tech: video doorbells, fall alarms, medication reminders, and smart devices like voice assistants can enhance safety and independence. Services like Telecare and Telehealth can help monitor health or alert family if something unusual occurs — like not making a morning cup of tea. While not always easy to set up, these systems can provide valuable reassurance.
The Importance of Social and Mental Health
Peter stresses the importance of social health alongside physical and mental wellbeing. Staying socially engaged can be a protective factor against decline. He even shares a tip from a friend: “Cultivate a younger friend every year.” Loneliness is a risk, but being proactive about companionship can prevent it.
Respecting Individuality
Above all, Peter advocates for recognising each person as an individual. He prefers the term “older persons” over “the elderly” to emphasise autonomy and respect. He’s even drafted a “Charter for Older Persons” — a guide to dignity, independence, and voice across services like healthcare, banking, and retail.
“We have no Commissioner for Older Persons in England,” Peter notes. “We need better representation, but also better attitudes — to listen and respond to individuals, not stereotypes.”
A Final Reminder
Peter ends on a positive note: the over-65s are statistically the happiest and least anxious age group. With a bit of planning, support, and open conversation, there’s much to look forward to in later life.
You can buy a copy of Peter’s book here: The Later Years
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