David Attenborough just turned 99, and he is still going strong. He is sharp, engaged, and active. No flashy diets or hardcore gym routines, either. So, what is the secret sauce?

It turns out, he is doing a lot of what people in the world’s longest-living regions do. Places like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. These places are called Blue Zones, and the people who live there share a few common habits. Funny enough, so does David Attenborough.

Here is what we can learn from the man who has spent his life narrating nature:

David Attenborough Eats Mostly Plants and 'Small' Meals

David Attenborough stopped eating red meat years ago. He has leaned more into plant-based meals, not because they are trendy but because they make sense. He once said that eating less meat is one of the simplest ways to help the planet. But it also helps the body.

Marca / According to the 99-year-old, less meat and more plants equal fewer problems.

And he doesn’t eat like it is a sport. His meals are small and simple. No giant plates piled high. Just enough to feel satisfied. This habit helps the body avoid the overload that leads to weight gain and chronic illness. Blue Zone folks follow the same pattern. Eat light, mostly plants, and stop before you are full. It works.

Attenborough Knows Why He Gets Up in the Morning

You can’t watch David Attenborough and not feel his passion. He has been chasing the wonders of the natural world for over 70 years. And he is not bored. That sense of purpose, of doing something that matters, is a huge reason he is still kicking at 99.

Having a strong reason to get out of bed keeps the mind sharp and the spirit alive. Blue Zone elders call this ikigai or plan de vida, a reason to live.

He Spends Most of His Time in Nature

Nature isn’t just David Attenborough’s job. It is his lifestyle. He has spent most of his life walking through forests, deserts, oceans, and jungles. That connection to nature keeps the body moving and the mind calm.

Walking is part of the job, but it is also clearly part of his joy.

Being outside boosts mental health. It lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and helps with sleep. You don’t need a rainforest to get the benefits either. A local park or even a garden will do. Walking outside every day might be the easiest health tip out there. If it works for David Attenborough, it can work for the rest of us, too.

The News / People in Blue Zones spend time with friends and family daily. Sir David does exactly that!

He Doesn’t Go It Alone

David Attenborough values connection. He has worked with the same crew members for decades. He mentors young filmmakers and often talks about his close relationship with his family. That kind of steady, long-term connection isn’t just good for morale, it is good for health.

They stay close across generations. That connection reduces stress, boosts happiness, and literally helps you live longer. David Attenborough clearly gets this, and it is likely a big reason he is still thriving.

David Attenborough Takes Care of His Mind and Body

You won’t find David Attenborough doing heavy weightlifting or biohacking. But you will see him moving, thinking, and staying mentally engaged. He reads. He writes. He narrates new projects.

Plus, he is sharp, calm, and fully present. He protects his mental space and doesn’t overload his life with noise.

In Blue Zones, people move naturally through the day, walking, gardening, and doing chores. Mental health also plays a big role. Less clutter, more meaning. David Attenborough's quiet focus and grounded presence show just how far that approach can go.