Why Growing Older Is Something To Be Embraced
The screen icon Ingrid Bergman once wrote: “Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”
It’s perhaps easy, though, in today’s digital-obsessed world that so often appears to value youth over experience, for older generations to feel like they’re heading for the scrapheap.
Old age can, of course, bring its fair share of health challenges, both mental and physical. But studies have shown that rather than seeing the ageing process as an inevitable slow road of decline and decrepitude, those who view the so-called “third age” with excitement and a chance to try new things, can enjoy a richer life.
Dame Prue Leith certainly falls into the latter category, and the broadcaster, writer and restaurateur will be sharing stories from her latest book, Being Old… and Learning to Love It! when she appears at the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival on 11 October.
Blending memoir with uplifting reflections on ageing, Prue will delve into the triumphs, challenges and unexpected joys of growing older, from enjoying fame on The Great British Bake Off to the friendships and experiences that have shaped her life.
With her trademark wit, honesty and no-nonsense charm, she will explore everything from staying curious and finding purpose to love, loss, health and the realities of ageing well.
Best known as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, Prue has been a judge on a number of other hit TV shows including the American Baking Show and The Great British Menu. She has written 14 cookbooks, eight novels and a memoir, with her most recent book – Being Old… and Learning to Love It! published earlier this year.
She’s also a successful businesswoman having run her own restaurants and catering and cookery schools, and been a board director on a string of high-profile companies including British Rail, Halifax, Whitbread and Belmond Hotels.
Being Old and Learning to Love it with Prue Leith – The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, Sunday, 11 October, 6.30pm. Tickets £22.
Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
