Sir David Attenborough turned 99 this year
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer and Kate Lally SEO writer
11:18, 12 Nov 2025
Sir David Attenborough(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
World-famous explorer Sir David Attenborough credits a simple diet change to his longevity, with the national treasure having turned 99 this year. The beloved presenter believes that making a straightforward adjustment may have something to do with his enduring health and vitality.
While not completely vegetarian, Sir David is widely understood to have dramatically cut back on his red meat consumption. He believes this shift could be playing a role in his remarkable longevity.
This isn’t a recent development, as Attenborough discussed his eating patterns back in 2017. At the time he said: “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.”
He acknowledged that he continues to consume cheese and fish, but has otherwise “become much more vegetarian” than he ever imagined he would be. There is compelling scientific evidence supporting the advantages of embracing a more plant-focused diet regarding overall wellbeing and lifespan.
Red meat – beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat – is something the 98 year old has severely limited in his meals. Consuming excessive amounts of processed meat and red meat heightens the likelihood of developing bowel (colorectal) cancer, according to the NHS.
Several of these meats contain high levels of saturated fat, which can elevate blood cholesterol if consumed excessively. Elevated cholesterol increases your chances of coronary heart disease. If you’re considering cutting something from your diet, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not missing out on vital nutrients.
Neglecting to maintain a healthy and balanced diet can lead to health complications. Harvard Health experts suggest that those looking to reduce their red meat intake should find appropriate substitutes to ensure they’re still getting enough protein.
Daniel Pendick, former executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, noted that swapping one daily serving of red meat with one of these alternatives decreased mortality in the study by 7% to 19%.
Six beneficial alternatives to red meat that could extend your life include poultry, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
