For many of us, Joanna Lumley is the epitome of grace, wit, and British charm.
Whether you first fell in love with her as the hilariously outrageous Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, or have followed her globe-trotting adventures in recent travel documentaries, Lumley has long been a beloved fixture on our screens.
But as she recently celebrated her 79th birthday, the iconic actress opened up about something far more personal: her thoughts on ageing, mortality, and the surprising gifts that come with growing older.
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 2, Lumley reflected on reaching her late seventies, admitting, ‘As you near the top of the hill, you suddenly think, ‘Gosh, there’s not all that much time left.’ My time must be coming quite soon, and I don’t want to have wasted a minute of being on this beautiful planet.’
It’s a sentiment that resonates with many of us as we move through life’s later chapters. But rather than dwell on the negative, Lumley’s perspective is refreshingly positive. ‘I used to panic when I was young, but as I’ve got older, I’ve started to live day to day. With age, you work out what matters,’ she shared.
Her words are a powerful reminder that, while the passage of time is inevitable, our attitude towards it is something we can shape. ‘We mustn’t be led into thinking getting old is bad. Growing old is good,’ Lumley insists. ‘I always knew that good stuff would come along when I was older. When I was 18, I longed to be 30. When I was 30, I longed to be 50.’
While Lumley’s outlook on ageing is inspiring, she’s also open about the challenges she faces. One of the more surprising revelations from her interview was her struggle with prosopagnosia, or face blindness—a neurological condition that makes it difficult to recognise familiar faces, even those of close friends and family.
‘I’ve got this weird thing with faces, I’ve got face blindness. It’s called prosopagnosia,’ she explained. For Lumley, social gatherings can be daunting, so she’s developed coping strategies: ‘I have to know who people are, I have to know in advance. I always say ‘Please tell me who’s going to be there’ then I can match the name to the thing.’
It can be isolating, but Lumley’s openness helps to raise awareness and reduce stigma. ‘It’s not about meeting many people, it’s completely different. It’s followed me and I never knew what it was. I’d try a test. I’d look at somebody and then I would shut my eyes and see if I could see their face in my head. And I couldn’t.’
Despite her honest reflections on ageing and health, Lumley shows no signs of stepping away from the spotlight. In fact, she’s busier than ever. She’s set to join the cast of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, playing the delightfully eccentric Grandmama Addams in the upcoming second season—a role that’s sure to introduce her to a whole new generation of fans.
And just last year, Australian audiences were treated to her live show, Me & My Travels, where she shared stories from her remarkable life and career. Her energy and enthusiasm remain undimmed, proving that age really is just a number.
Lumley’s reflections echo what many older people have discovered: that growing older brings its own unique rewards. With age comes a deeper understanding of what truly matters, a greater appreciation for the present, and the confidence to live life on your own terms.
Her advice? Don’t waste a minute. Embrace the opportunities that come with each new year, and don’t let society’s negative stereotypes about ageing hold you back. As Lumley puts it, ‘Growing old is good.’
Joanna Lumley’s reflections on ageing and her personal experiences offer a candid look at embracing life’s changes with positivity. As she continues her career and personal journey, her perspective invites thought on how we approach growing older.
What are your thoughts on her outlook? Do you believe ageing should be celebrated rather than feared? Share your insights in the comments below.
Also read: 98-year-old shares her surprising secrets for a longer, healthier life—will you try them?
