Dick Van Dyke, the beloved Hollywood legend, is on the brink of celebrating his 100th birthday—and he recently opened up about the two habits he believes have contributed to his remarkable longevity.
At a Vandy High Tea event held at his Malibu residence on November 30, Van Dyke delighted attendees with anecdotes from his illustrious career, sharing candid memories along with some not-so-healthy habits he has since kicked. “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality,” Van Dyke, 99, revealed. “If I liked something, I was going to overdo it.”
Having given up cigarettes and alcohol decades ago, the Mary Poppins star credits this decision as vital to his reaching the impressive milestone of turning 100. “So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here,” Van Dyke mused to the crowd.
In addition to his healthy lifestyle choices, Van Dyke also maintains a consistent fitness routine to stay strong as he approaches his centennial celebration. In his book “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life,” released in November, he shares his motivation for hitting the gym three times a week, often treating himself to a post-workout smoothie or a well-deserved nap. With a circuit including sit-ups and various machine exercises, Van Dyke powers through his workouts with the help of energizing music.
While Van Dyke continues to prioritize his health and wellness, he acknowledges the challenges that come with aging, including changes in vision and hearing. Despite these obstacles, he perseveres with the support of his wife Arlene Silver, son Barry, and great-granddaughter Kyla by his side.
As he reflects on his career, Van Dyke remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion. “I think of how rare it is that a person gets to do for a living what they love to do. I look forward to getting up every morning and going to work because it’s what I would’ve done for nothing,” he shared.
The beloved actor is set to officially reach the milestone of turning 100 on December 13, a momentous occasion that marks a lifetime of success and joy in his chosen field.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.