At 98, Sir David Attenborough is showing no signs of slowing down. While audiences have recently been captivated by the latest season of his acclaimed Planet Earth series, they are equally struck by something else: his remarkable vitality. In recent years, Attenborough has shared his hopes of reaching 100.
The biologist has partly attributed his health and stamina to dietary changes. Although he doesn’t consider himself strictly vegetarian, he has largely cut out red meat from his diet. He believes this change may be helping him live a longer life.
In an interview with the Sun in 2017, he explained his approach, saying: “I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don't think I've eaten red meat for months.
“I do eat cheese, I have to say, and I eat fish. But by and large, I've become much more vegetarian over the past few years than I thought I would ever be.” Research has shown that plant-based diets can contribute to a longer lifespan by reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Eating less meat also lowers an individual’s environmental impact – which is of course another issue close to the conservationist’s heart. Despite his healthy dietary choices and current mental sharpness, Attenborough has admitted he is worried about cognitive decline as he ages. In an interview with Anderson Cooper in 2021, he revealed his concern about potentially facing a condition like Alzheimer’s, describing the idea of becoming “helpless” as o.