🌟 Stop the Paper Chase: Organise Your Life (and Loved Ones’ Future)
If you’re anything like us, you have a cupboard, a drawer, or a folder somewhere that holds all your essential life admin. You know the one—the place where insurance policies, utility bills, and that elusive car registration paper go to live (and be forgotten).
But what if you suddenly needed to access that information quickly? More importantly, what if a family member or a trusted friend needed to sort out your affairs in an emergency?
The thought alone is stressful.
That’s where Age UK’s LifeBook comes in—a completely free and invaluable resource designed to help you bring all those practical details together in one safe place. It’s not just for older people; it’s a brilliant tool for anyone who wants to get their life admin sorted.
📘 What is the Age UK LifeBook?
The LifeBook is a structured guide that encourages you to record the key practical details of your life. It ensures that your loved ones have the non-sensitive information they need if they ever have to sort something out on your behalf, providing immense peace of mind.
It breaks down your life into easy-to-manage sections, so you don’t have to do it all at once:
| Section | What it Covers | Why it Matters |
| Personal Details | Family and friend contacts, pets, and key medical information. | Immediate contacts for emergencies. |
| Life Contacts | Solicitors, doctors, utility suppliers (gas, water, electricity), and clubs. | Helps a loved one know who to call to manage ongoing services. |
| Financial | Names of your banks, savings, insurance, and investment providers. | Provides an index of where your money and policies are. |
| Documents | Location of your Will, Power of Attorney, birth, and marriage certificates. | Crucial for settling an estate or managing your care. |
| Possessions | Details of your home, car, and other valuable items. | Aids in inventory and insurance management. |
| Final Wishes | Your preferences for funeral arrangements and any personal thoughts. | Ensures your wishes are respected and relieves a major burden on your family. |
🔑 Crucial Safety Alert: How to Use the LifeBook Securely
Because the LifeBook brings so much important information together, safety is paramount. Age UK is very clear that you must treat this document as highly confidential.
1. NEVER Include Key Security Information
The purpose of the LifeBook is to act as an index and contact list—not a master key to your finances.
🛑 Do NOT write down: Full bank account numbers, PINs, passwords, or key security codes.
Do write down: The name of the bank, the type of account (Current, ISA, etc.), and the contact telephone number for the organisation.
2. Keep it Safe and Secured
If you are using a physical copy, store it in a locked place, such as a fireproof safe or a locked filing cabinet.
If you download the digital version to complete on your computer, ensure the file itself is password-protected on your device.
3. Communicate Its Location to One Trusted Person
The LifeBook is only helpful if the right person can find it when needed. Be sure to tell a trusted individual—such as your Power of Attorney, spouse, or executor—exactly where you keep it and, if applicable, what the password or key is.
🏃♀️ Ready to Get Organised? How to Get Your Free Copy
This resource is an essential part of later-life planning, and Age UK provides it completely free.
Download Online: Visit the official Age UK page to download a copy to fill out on your computer or print:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning/lifebook/
Order a Print Copy: If you prefer a physical booklet, you can order one for free by calling the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
Taking this small step today will make a monumental difference to your future organisation and the peace of mind of your loved ones.
Source: LifeBook | Age UK
