Dame Judi Dench reflects on turning 90, revealing she’s ‘got a great deal to be grateful for’

Renowned actress Dame Judi Dench recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and while some may dread the passage of time, Dench takes an admirable approach to ageing, revealing that she has “got a great deal to be grateful for”.

In the lead-up to her milestone birthday on December 9, Dench spoke with The Times about how “lucky” she feels to reach such an age.

“You get a bit nervous when everybody says 90. I don’t want to think of 90 much, I’m going to think about (turning) 29,” she told the publication

“I think you’re lucky to be 90; my two great, great friends, Barbara Leigh-Hunt and (Dame) Maggie Smith, have just dropped off the bough in the last four weeks or so and that’s not good.

“I’m able to at least get from A to B and walk about and, golly, I’ve got a great deal to be grateful for.”

Dench has always had a positive approach to the ageing process, in a previous chat she elaborated further about her unique perspective on ageing gracefully and finding joy in the present moment.

Dench, with her trademark wit and charm, dismissed the notion of fretting over the inevitable passage of time.

“I have no attitude to it; I don’t want to even think about it,” she told Good Housekeeping.

Dench’s view of the future is as impressive as her incredible career. Her wisdom, earned through years in the spotlight, offers valuable insights for success and enjoying the fleeting moments in life.

“If you start looking ahead, you miss the bits that are happening now,” she said.

“I find it very hard to talk about two or three days’ time; I think, ‘No, no, no, this bit is lovely’. That’s not to say you don’t prepare for things in the way that we have to, but I think it’s a pity if you waste the moment. Life is too short.”