Gyles Brandreth shares seven secrets for living well to 100 in TV interview

Gyles Brandreth has discussed his book The Seven Secrets of the 100-Year Life in a television interview, mixing personal stories with practical advice on ageing well.

He said he had taken a risk in writing the book because clause three of his contract requires him to repay his advance if he does not live beyond his 99th year. The book grew out of two interests. He said all his role models have been older people, including the King and Queen, and he has used his podcast Rosebud to speak to figures such as Dame Judi Dench, Dame Siân Phillips, Dame Eileen Atkins and Petula Clark, who are still living full lives in their later years. He noted that Queen Elizabeth II lived to 96 and Prince Philip to 99.

Brandreth said the subject became personal about five years ago, when he moved into his 70s and began falling over. He recalled a fall in Ireland, where a passer-by mistook him for Joe Biden, and another in Scotland where he broke his humerus and brought his wife down with him. A doctor told him to do something about it, and he began working with physiotherapist Finola Burrell, who appeared in the studio. She helped him improve his balance and strength. After five years of working together, they decided to identify the seven secrets of living the 100-year life, meaning living well to 100 rather than simply reaching that age.

He cited Queen Elizabeth II as an example of staying engaged. On the day before she died at 96, she carried out duties in the morning, greeting one prime minister and saying goodbye to another, and in the afternoon watched a horse race that one of the horses won. Brandreth said she was sustained by faith and had a purpose through obligations and duty, as well as a passion in her dogs and horses.

Brandreth said research points to attitude as fundamental. He said happy people live seven to 10 years longer than unhappy people, and that people with disabilities often report being as happy as those without. He also listed keeping moving, breathing properly, sleeping the right amount and eating the right diet as key factors. A central point, he said, was wanting to get out of bed in the morning rather than sighing at the day.

He stressed the need for passion, purpose and connection. He used the metaphor of being a leaf on a tree: a leaf that feels free will soon float to the ground and die, while being attached to something bigger than yourself provides meaning. He said people need people, and need connection with others and with nature. One rule he highlighted was 'blue sky before blue screen', urging people to look up in the morning. He also quoted the Duke of Edinburgh, who lived to 99, saying his maxim was 'look up, look out, don't look down, don't look in'.

The interview ended with Brandreth and the presenter attempting a plank, with the presenter joking that viewers would find out the following day how long they managed. Brandreth also joked that he would be around longer than the presenter.