Dame Prue Leith, 86, will take part in a discussion about aging at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on 15 October. Joining her will be authors Gyles Brandreth and Kathy Lette for a session titled "Growing Old Disgracefully" at The Times and Sunday Times Forum in Montpellier Terrace. The event seeks to challenge the common belief that growing older is inherently negative, instead highlighting the opportunities and freedom that come with age. Dame Prue shared her own perspective on aging, emphasizing the sense of liberation it can bring. "You come into your own, you don't care what people think, you're not going to change," she said. "And so the world has to just put up with it." While she acknowledged that aging can be difficult for those who are lonely or unwell, she personally finds the process stress-free. Looking back, she described her younger years as more challenging, filled with personal struggles and uncertainty about the future. Dame Prue has a long-standing relationship with the Cheltenham Literature Festival, having participated in an event there in 2018. She has a particular fondness for the town and often visits even when not involved in festival activities. In addition to her literary and public speaking engagements, she is known for her television show, "Prue Leith's Cotswolds Kitchen," which is filmed in her home in the Cotswolds. The house, built in the past four to five years, includes a large garden and provides a tranquil setting for her work and personal life. The discussion at the festival will offer a platform for thoughtful reflection on aging, encouraging attendees to consider the positive aspects of growing older. With Dame Prue's candid insights and the contributions of her fellow panelists, the event promises to be both engaging and thought-provoking.