Dick Van Dyke Health Update Before 100th Birthday
Dick Van Dyke speaking at the 2017 Comicon at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Dick Van Dyke is flying high at 99, but the legendary entertainer is not shy about the toll that nearly a century has taken on his body and social life. As he approaches his 100th birthday on December 13, Van Dyke has opened up in a revealing essay about the physical and social challenges he now faces. Yet, beneath the candid reflections on aging lies a vibrant spirit fueled by daily gym sessions, singing with a youthful a cappella group, and a deeply cherished marriage to his wife, Arlene.
The Hollywood icon, known for his timeless roles in classics like "Mary Poppins" and "Diagnosis Murder," shared his thoughts on aging in an essay for The Times. He described feeling "diminished in the world, physically and socially," as reported by PEOPLE, a stark contrast to the energetic characters he portrayed over the decades. Despite this, Van Dyke's outlook remains refreshingly upbeat, a testament to his enduring charm and resilience.
The Physical Reality Of A Century
Van Dyke's essay pulls back the curtain on the realities of aging for a man who has long been a symbol of vitality and joy. He admits to experiencing "physical deterioration" that mirrors the old men he once played on screen. Now, he finds himself a "stooper, a shuffler and a teeterer," as reported by PEOPLE, grappling with foot problems and frequent falls. His eyesight has worsened to the point where delicate hobbies like origami are no longer possible. Hearing aids, which he humorously refuses to call "ear trumpets," are a constant companion, though he often complains about them, as reported by Page Six.
Mealtime, once a simple pleasure, has become a source of frustration as Van Dyke admits to spilling food and growing impatient when his wife asks him to change out of a stained shirt. "'It's got blueberry all over it,' she'll say. 'Polka dots are in again!' I'll reply," he shared, as reported by Page Six. Even in these moments, his wit shines through, revealing a playful spirit that refuses to be dimmed by age.
A Youthful Spirit in A Changing Body
Despite the physical setbacks, Van Dyke's inner vitality remains undiminished. He contrasts his current state with the characters he played, noting that while he shares their physical decline, his inner self is "as different from them as I could get," as reported by Page Six. This youthful energy is nurtured by his commitment to staying active. He still hits the gym three times a week, a routine that includes a circuit of machines starting with sit-ups, followed by leg exercises, and finishing with upper body workouts. His 56-year-old wife, Arlene, playfully claims he could do 500 sit-ups, though he admits that might be an exaggeration.
Music is another key to his longevity. Van Dyke sings and hums his way through workouts, sometimes belting out tunes with the enthusiasm of a Broadway performer. He is a member of the Vantastix, an a cappella group composed mostly of younger singers, where he finds joy and a soaring heart. This connection to music and performance keeps his spirits high and his mind sharp, proving that passion can defy the limits of age.
The Power Of Love And Laughter
Central to Van Dyke's happiness is his marriage to Arlene Silver, whom he met in 2006 and married in 2012. He credits their ongoing romance as the most important factor in keeping him from becoming a "hermetic grouch," as reported by Page Six. Their mornings are filled with dancing and laughter, he says, a daily ritual that fuels his joy and keeps him "bright and hopeful and needed." The age difference between them, with Arlene being half his age, makes him feel younger than his years, in his words, "somewhere between two thirds and three quarters [his] age."
Van Dyke's approach to life is a lesson in embracing the present with humor and grace. He encourages tapping into playfulness to make even mundane or stressful moments more enjoyable. Whether it's a family visit, a car ride, or a doctor's appointment, he believes that a playful attitude can transform the experience and keep one's "whole self ... buoyant," as reported by Page Six.
Defying The Odds With Determination
Reaching 99 years old with such vitality is no small feat, and Van Dyke credits his longevity to a refusal to succumb to life's hardships. He acknowledges the reality of "failures and defeats, personal losses, loneliness and bitterness," but insists he has never let these define him, as reported by Page Six. Instead, he embraces life fully, describing it as a "giant playground" rather than a job. This mindset, combined with his active lifestyle and loving relationship, forms the foundation of his secret to a long and healthy life.
His dedication to fitness is unwavering. Van Dyke admits that missing gym days leads to stiffness creeping into his body, a warning sign he takes seriously. He even dangles "carrots" like smoothies and caffeine treats to motivate himself to get out the door, as reported by PEOPLE. The physical exertion leaves him exhilarated, with blood flowing from fingertips to toes and spirits soaring, a feeling he chases with the enthusiasm of a man half his age.
A Legend's Final Act
As Dick Van Dyke prepares to celebrate a century of life, his story is a powerful blend of nostalgia, resilience, and joy. He reminds us that aging is not just about physical decline but about the spirit we carry within. His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the life of a beloved entertainer who continues to inspire with his humor, love, and unyielding zest for life.
In a world obsessed with youth, Van Dyke's journey is a refreshing reminder that the heart can remain forever young, even as the body changes. His upcoming 100th birthday is not just a milestone but a celebration of a life lived fully, with laughter, music, and love leading the way.
References: Dick Van Dyke shares candid health update weeks before 100th birthday | Dick Van Dyke Feels 'Diminished' Ahead of 100th Birthday, Shares Gym Routine
