Sir Michael Parkinson has used these clips from his show in some of his speeches as Dignity Ambassador. He says "I have met many inspirational old people who have made me feel ok about growing old. People always ask me who was my favourite interviewee. I am unable to give an answer, but what I can say is that the most extraordinary group of people I have enjoyed interviewing have been without a single shadow of a doubt old people, because they had really lived a life and were unafraid of speaking the truth. I had two old ladies on the show who were particular favourites of mine. Dame Edith Evans, the great english actress, who put to shame many younger actresses with her unflagging optimism, energy, and total nonchalance about growing old. The other was Catherine Bramwell-Booth, who was quite the most remarkable woman I have ever met, and I've met a few. She was the granddaughter of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army and was ninety-six when she won the Speaker of the Year Award. She only came on the show once, but was well capable of putting "yoof", in that instance, me, firmly in its place."

• published: 04 Dec 2009
• views: 71754