IF YOU have trouble hunting down your essential documents, you are not in the minority, according to a new study.

Research from Age Concern Basingstoke reveals 62 per cent of Britons admit to not organising their important documents.

Vital papers such as passports, driving licences and insurance policy details are left in kitchen drawers or unlocked cupboards.

A massive 97 per cent of people have to hunt for misplaced documents and 42 per cent of people have no idea where they keep their birth certificates.

The research comes as Age Concern Basingstoke launches its LifeBook, a free-of-charge service designed to allow people to manage their affairs better.

Maria Mitchell, from Age Concern Basingstoke, said: "Our research and years of experience working with older people in Basingstoke shows that as we age, we appreciate the importance of planning and getting our affairs in order.

"That's why LifeBook has been created. It provides an easy way to address the difficult task of putting our affairs in order and gives the confidence that the burden of managing our affairs will be made easier for our loved ones when it is necessary."

LifeBook is available as a booklet or an interactive website and records important details such as friends' birthdays or renewal dates on different insurance policies.

It also keeps a record of utility suppliers and store cards and there is even a section to record final wishes.

It is available to everyone regardless of age. Visit Age Concern Basingstoke at The Orchard, White Hart Lane, RG21 4AF, to request a leaflet.

Alternatively, call 0845 685 1061 or log on to www.ageconcern.org.uk/lifebook

11:35am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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