As he approaches his 100th birthday, legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is reflecting on the simple lifestyle choices he believes have played a major role in his longevity.
The 99-year-old entertainer, best known for his iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, says avoiding cigarettes and alcohol later in life made a meaningful difference to his overall health and well-being.
Van Dyke has spoken openly about his past struggles, admitting that he smoked and drank heavily in his younger years. “I smoked a lot,” he recalled, explaining that by his 50s he had come to recognize what he described as an “addictive personality.” Realizing the impact those habits were having on his health, he made the decision to quit.
In 1972, Van Dyke entered a hospital to seek help for alcoholism and successfully became sober. While giving up alcohol was challenging, he has said quitting smoking proved even more difficult. “It was much worse than the alcohol,” he shared during an appearance on the Really, No Really podcast.
Despite occasional changes in energy that come with age, Van Dyke says he remains deeply grateful for his life and maintains a positive outlook. “I never wake up in a bad mood,” he noted.
Beyond avoiding harmful habits, Van Dyke believes emotional well-being has also been essential to his long life. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm and steering clear of anger or resentment, saying that holding onto negative emotions can take a toll over time.
“I think that’s helped me,” he said, referring to his commitment to a peaceful and optimistic mindset.
As he prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, Dick Van Dyke’s reflections offer a simple message: small, mindful choices—both physical and emotional—can have a lasting impact on health and longevity.