Music legend Sir Cliff Richard has opened up about the lifestyle choices he credits for his remarkable health and vitality at the age of 85. The singer shared his personal blueprint for 'healthy ageing', which hinges on three straightforward rules and a strict avoidance of ten specific foods.
The Three Golden Rules for Longevity
Despite a career spanning an incredible 62 years, Cliff Richard admits his own longevity has been a surprise. "I never thought I'd get to be 50 years old, let alone have a 62-year career," he once remarked. Now, he is focused on maintaining his wellbeing, especially after recently speaking out about his prostate cancer diagnosis, which he says is currently "gone at the moment" following treatment.
His philosophy is built on a foundation of consistent movement. "I always say to people, you know, just keep moving," he advised. "If you can run, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. Just keep everything moving and I think that's helped me a great deal." He remains active by playing tennis twice a week and visiting the gym regularly.
The Ten Foods Cliff Richard Now Avoids
Central to his regimen is a disciplined approach to nutrition. Cliff follows the Blood Type Diet, tailored for his type A blood, which has led him to cut out several former favourites. "The thing is to try and keep healthy and sometimes that means giving up food that you shouldn't eat and want to," he explained.
The ten foods he strictly avoids are:
- Dairy products
- Wheat
- Red meat
- Crustaceans (like prawns and crab)
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Aubergine
"Tomatoes are probably the thing I miss most," he confessed, noting their role in curries and pasta dishes. However, he maintains a positive outlook: "When you look at a list of foods that exist, giving up 10 of them is not that difficult."
Planning the Occasional Treat
Cliff Richard's approach is not about complete deprivation. He believes in mindful indulgence, planning his 'sins' carefully. "I do indulge now and then," he admitted. "But if I'm gonna have a treat, it'll be a steak about four times a year, that's all. You have to plan your sin."
His resolve to stay healthy was strengthened after the death of his mother, Dorothy Webb, at 87 following a dementia diagnosis. He is now determined to reach 100, exploring various health tips and emphasising that happiness is key at any age. "Some people just don't age well, but you can still age and be happy... You don't have to look 20 to have fun," he wisely noted.
His advice aligns with broader health guidance. The National Institute on Aging confirms that genetics, physical activity, nutrition, and mental wellbeing are all critical factors in the process of healthy ageing.
