The food eliminated by Sir David Attenborough to potentially extend his lifespan and his reflection on mortality.

Sir David Attenborough has put his healthy and enduring life down to one simple diet change he made almost 10 years ago.

Acknowledging the inevitability of his advancing age, the iconic broadcaster, at 98, shared poignant sentiments on Wednesday, expressing that he is now approaching the final stages of his life. This disclosure came as he prepared for the release of his upcoming film Ocean: With David Attenborough.

Sir David did, however, express his desire to reach his 100th birthday, just over a week ahead of turning 99 on May 9. 

And in a 2017 interview, the wildlife expert revealed the one small diet change he made which may help him reach a century.

‘I have certainly changed my diet,’ he said. 

Sir David Attenborough, 98, has put his healthy and enduring life down to one simple diet change he made almost 10 years ago

Reiterating his acknowledgment, the renowned broadcaster underscored on Monday that he is in a phase where the culmination of his life is drawing close, setting a solemn tone as he introduced his new project, Ocean: With David Attenborough.

‘Not in a great sort of dramatic way – but I don’t think I’ve eaten red meat for months. 

‘While I do still consume cheese and fish occasionally, I must admit, my dietary preferences have significantly shifted towards vegetarianism in recent years, surprising even myself with the extent of this transition.’

A growing number of people have decided to give up eating red meats – including beef, lamb, mutton, pork and veal – in recent years for fears the food is affecting their health.

Some research has suggested that eating red meat can increase the likelihood of someone getting cancer, heart disease and even Type-II diabetes. 

Similarly, ultra-processed foods have a clearly identified link to a higher risk of cancer. 

His comments have resurfaced after the wildlife expert admitted that he is ‘nearing the end of his life’ in a harrowing and honest statement.

He said: ‘When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity.

‘Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.

David’s poignant words came amid the filming for his latest series  Ocean: With David Attenborough [pictured]

‘Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.

‘If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.’ 

The new film, which will air on Discovery+ on the wildlife expert’s 99th birthday, will see him delve ‘further than before’ into the examination of ocean protection. 

It will examine inspirational stories of ocean recovery in areas where destructive fishing is banned – such as the Isle of Arran, Scotland and Hawaii. 

Sir David contends that ‘the ocean can recover faster than we can ever imagine’.

‘My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery,’ he added.

‘Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man.

Sir David Attenborough has been on our screens for more than 70 years and become a legendary and treasured broadcaster

Some of his most famous documentaries in recent years include BBC’s Planet Earth and Blue Planet, as well as Our Planet on Netflix

‘In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. This could be the moment of change.

‘Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed, on paper, to achieve this bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean.

‘Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.’

Sir David Attenborough has been on screens for more than 70 years and become a legendary and treasured broadcaster.

Some of his most famous documentaries in recent years include BBC’s Planet Earth and Blue Planet, as well as Our Planet on Netflix.