At 97, Sir David Attenborough Is ‘On Really Good Form’ Despite Nearing 100 Years Old

Jul 31, 2023 by apost team

Sir David Frederick Attenborough is a well-renowned natural historian, broadcaster, biologist and author. Attenborough’s love for nature came to him at a young age. He spent his early years collecting fossils, natural specimens, and stones and was encouraged to continue in that line when a young English archeologist, Jacquetta Hawkes, admired his collection.

In 1945, Attenborough got a scholarship to study geology and zoology at Clare College, Cambridge, and obtained a degree in natural sciences at the end of his program. He joined the Royal Navy in 1947 and spent two years stationed in North Wales and the Firth of Forth. After his time in the Navy, he took up a role at a publishing company, editing children's science textbooks. 

Attenborough’s foray into broadcasting started in 1952 when he joined the BBC as a producer, and his inclination toward history programs began when he produced and presented the three-part series “Animal Patterns.” Through the program, he began to expand his horizons, making animal/nature-based shows and featuring experts to talk about the behaviors of these animals. 

The legendary broadcaster rode the crest of the wave by telling stories bordering on natural history and anthropology. After he left the BBC in 1972, he took on producing, storytelling and writing series freelance. He eventually wrote, produced and narrated several award-winning TV series, including “Life on Earth,” “The Trials of Life,” “The Living Planet,” “The Private Life of Plants,” “Life in the Freezer, and “The Life of Birds,” among others. 

Although not as active as he was in his younger years, Attenborough is in good form. On July 24, 2023, naturalist Chris Packham revealed in an interview that the veteran broadcaster was still agile at his age, despite being in his late 90s.

Since his foray into broadcasting, Attenborough has spent nearly eight decades making a name for himself, paving the way for other natural/wildlife broadcasters and generally impacting the industry. His contribution to his broadcasting niche has earned him international recognition from several awarding bodies worldwide.

Per NPR's review of “Attenborough's Journey,” it is clear that he is not just another broadcaster; he has traveled worldwide, researched and shared his discoveries and enthusiasms with his idiosyncratic semi-whisper way of narrating. What's more, Attenborough’s style of narration feels like he's revealing secrets, drawing you in using such simple language that he's instantly understood, making his sense of wonder infectious. He is a longstanding example of what a great educator and communicator should be and has been referred to as the greatest broadcaster who ever lived. 

As of 2013, the legendary filmmaker was awarded his 32nd honorary degree from Queen's University in Belfast for his services in broadcasting and science, making him the person with the most honorary degrees from universities in the UK. The wildlife expert has also been recognized by several media houses, notably the BBC, where he was the subject of “Life on Air,” which analyzed the legacy of his work, and “Attenborough the Controller,” which focused on his time in charge of BBC Two.

Attenborough was getting as much recognition in science as he was in broadcasting. He has had at least 20 species and genera, both living and extinct, named in his honor. The Guinness World Records also recognizes Attenborough as a TV presenter with the longest career.

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Attenborough’s achievements in science and broadcasting will leave anyone in awe, especially naturalists and wildlife experts looking to tread a similar path. It is no wonder naturalist Packham was full of praise for the veteran wildlife expert and broadcaster in an interview with the Mirror. 

In his chat with the media outlet, the naturalist shared some insight into his longtime friendship with Attenborough, revealing how they first met and how they nurtured their friendship. He shared that he met with the wildlife expert when he won a photography competition as a teenager. Their friendship began after they crossed paths again while Packham was working as a cameraman for the Natural History Unit.

“I met him in Florida... We spent the whole evening together and he tried to convince me that opera was a good thing,” Packham said. “I’ve had a lot of great advice from David but I’ve not got into the opera,” he said.

Speaking on how the veteran broadcaster is faring as he nears 100 years old, Packham revealed that he was in great form. 

“He’s 97, he’s obviously stepped back and he’s not doing as much work. When did I last see him? It must have been before Christmas now, or maybe just after Christmas and he was on really good form, really good form. I went to the car, to help him out of the car and he just leapt out and started off down the pavement,” Packham stated.

Packham’s words about Attenborough being in great form confirmed producer Mike Gunton's revelation that Attenborough is not slowing down. 

What do you think of Sir David Attenborough not slowing down at almost 100 years old? Do you love his dedication to work? What is your favorite work by him? Let us know — and pass this article on to friends, family members and Sir David Attenborough fans.