Sir Cliff Richard Reflects on Health Struggles and Aging Gracefully at 84: “You Just Keep Moving — Even If You Have to Crawl”
At 84 years old, Sir Cliff Richard continues to shine as one of Britain’s most enduring entertainers — but even icons aren’t immune to the toll of time. In a series of candid interviews over the past year, the Summer Holiday singer has opened up about his recent health battles, his changing body, and his quiet preparations for whatever lies ahead.
“I might be dead next year,” he admitted in a moment of stark honesty during a discussion about his Can’t Stop Me Now tour. “So I don’t even think about it anymore.” It wasn’t said with fear — but with the kind of clarity that only comes with age and perspective.
Sir Cliff’s decades-long career has been nothing short of remarkable: over 250 million records sold, a record-breaking run of Top 10 singles, and a stage presence that still dazzles. But behind the bright lights and legendary performances are quiet moments of pain, perseverance, and personal change.
In recent years, Cliff has battled gallstones, which caused him such intense abdominal pain that he was forced to cancel a winter holiday. “It was awful,” he admitted. “You don’t realize how much you take feeling good for granted until you suddenly can’t move without pain.”
He also suffered from a case of shingles — something he described as “dangerous” and far more debilitating than he expected. “It knocks you off your feet,” he shared in an interview with Surrey Live. “You think you’re just going to carry on, but your body has other plans.”
Doctors have also warned him about high cholesterol levels, prompting the pop legend to take an even more serious look at his diet and lifestyle. “I’ve always tried to look after myself,” he said. “But now I’m much more intentional about it.”
His approach to healthy aging is simple — but fiercely committed. He avoids dairy, red meat, and wheat, in line with the recommendations for his blood type (A). Instead, he focuses on clean eating, moderation, and staying physically active. “Even if you can’t walk or run,” he says, “you crawl. You keep moving. You keep showing up.”
It’s a mantra that mirrors his career.
Despite his age, Cliff shows no signs of slowing down — but he’s also learning when to rest. He’s adapted his performances, opting for fewer dance-heavy numbers and focusing instead on vocals, storytelling, and emotional connection. “I don’t want to be an 85-year-old guy trying to be 18,” he laughed. “But I still love it. I still want to share the stage with the audience — and make them feel something.”
His latest release, Cliff With Strings – My Kinda Life, a sweeping orchestral reinterpretation of his biggest hits, was both a musical gift and a personal reflection — a look back at a career that has defined multiple generations.
And yet, as he speaks about the future, there is a peace in his voice. “We don’t get to choose how long we have,” he said quietly. “But we do get to choose how we live while we’re here.”
For Cliff Richard, that means living with gratitude, grace, and — above all — movement.
Even if it’s a crawl.