For all the inspiring insight into nature that Sir David Attenborough has given us during his extraordinary life, he has also shown us how to age well. Even now, long past retirement age, he has no interest in retreating from the world.
At 95, he presented multiple new TV programmes, and at 97 he brought Planet Earth III to the BBC. In early 2026, the BBC broadcast his latest series – Secret Garden – exploring wildlife closer to home. Sir David’s daily life would have been busy for anyone, let alone for someone who is now approaching 100 (his birthday is on 8 May).
“I see no reason whatsoever why I can’t live past 100,” he said in a previous interview. “Earth has enough wonders to make more than three Planet Earth series.” It’s no wonder he has been hailed the nation’s hardest-working nonagenarian.
Sir David Attenborough filming for Frozen Planet II in 2022. The broadcaster has no plans to retire (Photo: Alex Board/BBC Studios)
For those also born in the 1920s, Sir David has been a great example of how to live life to the fullest. “He is an inspiration to older people like me,” says 97-year-old Ivanna Mascak, from west London. “I’ve loved watching his programmes, and admired him. You don’t see many people of his age having such important jobs. I have tried to do something similar, keeping myself busy, translating and writing books and letters. I take naps, but I don’t sit around letting my legs give up.
