David Attenborough Says Being in Nature May Be the Secret to Longevity

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PRIOR (@prior)

The age-old question of how to live longer is one that Sir David Attenborough seems to have an answer for. On May 8, Attenborough turned 100 years old—a rare and inspiring milestone. Throughout his life, he has given audiences an unparalleled view into the natural world, and now he has also offered insight into what may have contributed to his remarkable longevity.

There are countless old wives’ tales about how to live longer, many dating back thousands of years. Humanity has long looked to nature for clues to longevity. In the modern age, however, science has helped us better understand why some people become centenarians while others do not, though the mystery of aging is still not fully understood.

According to Harvard Medical School, “25% of the variation in human life span is determined by genetics,” while the remaining 75% is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. The term “biohacking” refers to practices people adopt in hopes of extending their lives. These can include familiar habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as more extreme measures such as cold plunges, stem cell therapies, and extensive supplement regimens.

Attenborough, however, has credited much of his mental well-being to his lifelong connection with nature. In a statement to Butterfly Conservation, he said, “Spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life. It enables us to experience joy and wonder, to slow down, and to appreciate the wildlife that lives side by side with us.”

Science supports the idea that mental well-being plays an important role in healthy aging. Researchers have found that higher levels of happiness are associated with longer life expectancy. For someone like Attenborough, whose dedication to his work has spanned decades and far exceeded the typical bounds of a career, that sense of purpose may be especially significant.

In 2021, Attenborough narrated a 10-minute virtual reality meditation for BBC Sounds that let viewers into his mindfulness practice. Additionally, during an episode of Call of the Wild in a conversation with podcast host Cel Spellman, Attenborough described a simple exercise that anyone can try.

The practice is straightforward: sit somewhere in nature, remain still and quiet, and wait for 10 minutes without impatience. According to Attenborough, something fascinating almost always reveals itself when people observe the natural world without distraction. He specifically described doing this in a woodland setting, where patience is often rewarded with small but extraordinary moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

As Attenborough rings in his second century of life, his greatest lesson may be that longevity can be found in bringing a sense of curiosity, awe, and purpose into each moment. His focus on appreciating the beauty of the natural world could be the secret to living a longer and more fulfilling life.