Dick Van Dyke is approaching his 100th birthday, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
The legendary entertainer continues to sing, dance, and spread joy with the same energy that made him a household name decades ago.
In a recent interview on the Today Show, Van Dyke shared his surprisingly simple secrets for living a long, vibrant life—and they might just change how you approach aging.
From his daily habits to his philosophy on retirement, Van Dyke proves that hitting 100 doesn’t mean hitting the brakes.
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Never Stop Singing
When asked about his longevity secrets, Van Dyke’s answer was refreshingly straightforward.
Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Van Dyke doesn’t just recommend singing—he lives it. He wakes up most mornings with old tunes running through his head, from classic standards to songs from his iconic performances.
His commitment to music goes beyond nostalgia. Van Dyke still performs with his a cappella group, The Vantastix, making harmonies that keep his mind sharp and his spirit young.
Research backs up Van Dyke’s intuition. Studies show that singing increases oxygen levels in blood, improves posture and breathing, and releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety. Group singing, specifically, has been linked to improved social bonds and cognitive function in older adults.
Keep Moving, Keep Working
Retirement? Van Dyke hasn’t heard of it.
I don’t want to. It’s my hobby. It’s my life. I love it. I’m looking for work right now.
At 99, Van Dyke still hits the gym three times per week. His commitment to physical activity started early in his career, when his signature pratfalls and physical comedy demanded peak fitness.
That famous ottoman fall from The Dick Van Dyke Show wasn’t just a gag—it was a testament to his physical control and willingness to keep his body active.
Van Dyke’s approach aligns with what gerontologists call “successful aging.” Maintaining purpose and staying physically active are two of the strongest predictors of longevity and quality of life in older adults.
Marry Young (At Heart)
Van Dyke credits his wife, Arlene, with keeping him youthful and energized.
She keeps me young cuz we sing, you know, and we dance and she just keeps me a teenager.
Arlene’s perspective is equally touching. When asked how Van Dyke changed her life, she became emotional.
He’s just like the greatest human being ever. And you just changed the way I look at life.
Their relationship highlights another key longevity factor: strong social connections. Research consistently shows that married individuals and those with close relationships live longer and report better health outcomes than their isolated peers.
Sharing activities like singing and dancing creates what researchers call “dyadic coping”—partners supporting each other through life’s challenges while maintaining joy and playfulness.
From Mary Poppins to Coldplay
Van Dyke’s career spans an astonishing range, from his breakthrough in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie to his unforgettable role as Bert in Mary Poppins.
Working with Julie Andrews and even animated penguins required patience and precision. Van Dyke recalls shooting scenes over and over to get interactions with animation just right.
Then came Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, where one particular sequence tested everyone’s endurance.
The take you see is take 26.
That persistence led producer Cubby Broccoli to consider Van Dyke for James Bond. Van Dyke turned down the opportunity with characteristic humor, questioning whether his British accent would work for 007.
He admits he still regrets that decision—but not much else about his extraordinary career.
Still Dreaming at 99
Van Dyke hasn’t checked all his boxes yet. When asked what role he’d still like to play, his answer was immediate: Scrooge.
I wanted to be Scrooge. Always wanted to play Scrooge and I could do it. It’s just November. I still got time.
That optimism captures Van Dyke’s entire philosophy. Still got time. Three simple words that reflect an attitude research shows is crucial for longevity: maintaining future-oriented goals.
People who continue setting goals and looking forward to new experiences tend to live longer and maintain better cognitive function than those who view aging as an ending rather than a continuation.
The Van Dyke Formula
Van Dyke’s approach to reaching 100 isn’t complicated or expensive. His new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100, captures decades of wisdom in accessible advice.
His formula boils down to several evidence-backed principles:
- Sing daily for respiratory health, stress reduction, and cognitive stimulation
- Exercise regularly with activities you genuinely enjoy
- Maintain strong relationships that bring joy and mutual support
- Never stop working at something that gives your life purpose
- Keep setting goals no matter your age
- Approach life with humor and don’t take yourself too seriously
Van Dyke represents something increasingly rare: someone who ages without becoming old. His body may be approaching its 100th year, but his spirit remains that of a performer who wakes up ready to entertain, create, and connect.
Perhaps most importantly, Van Dyke shows that longevity isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years. He’s not merely surviving; he’s thriving, performing, and still looking for his next role.
As he approaches this remarkable milestone, Van Dyke continues to dance in his backyard, harmonize with his singing group, and wake up with songs running through his head. That’s not just living to 100—that’s living fully, joyfully, and with purpose every single day along the way.
