The surprising secret to Dick Van Dyke's longevity – can you believe he's almost 100?
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Veronica E.
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As the world wakes to another day, many of us envision a peaceful morning—a warm cup of tea or a quiet stroll before the day’s hustle. It’s a moment of calm before life picks up speed.
But what if your mornings were different? What if you woke up with the energy to take on anything? That’s exactly what nearly 100-year-old Dick Van Dyke does every day.
His mornings aren’t just about gentle stretches—they’re full of rhythm and vitality, as he dances through his routine. For him, it’s not just about staying active; it’s about embracing life with an energy that refuses to be bound by age.
This isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that a joyful, simple approach to fitness can defy aging and keep us young at heart, no matter the years.
Wouldn’t you like to know how he does it?

The ageless wonder of Hollywood
Dick Van Dyke, famous for his roles in beloved classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, isn’t only admired for his iconic film career.
He’s also a shining example of what it means to age gracefully, with a dedication to fitness that many of us could learn from.
In a recent conversation on Ted Danson’s podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Van Dyke shared his secret to vitality: “I’m almost 100. This is insane. I’ve always exercised three days a week.”
His charming words were more than just a humble admission—they reflected a lifetime of commitment to staying active.
A routine that dances past time
Imagine this: Dick Van Dyke, gracefully transitioning from one exercise machine to the next, incorporating dance-like movements into his workout.
It’s not just about keeping his body in shape; it’s about keeping his spirit alive.

Ted Danson, who’s no slouch at 77 himself, was in awe when he saw Van Dyke’s routine at a Malibu gym.
“You literally danced to the next machine,” Danson recalled. For Van Dyke, movement isn’t a chore—it’s a part of his joy, his everyday rhythm that helps him live life to the fullest.
The joy of movement
Van Dyke’s approach to fitness isn’t confined to the gym. His routine also includes swimming laps, stretching, sit-ups, and yoga exercises.
This balanced approach to staying active can serve as a guide for us all, especially as we enter our golden years.
As a society, we often view aging through a lens of decline, but Van Dyke offers a refreshing shift in perspective. In a 2015 NPR interview promoting his book, Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, he shared, “The hardest part about getting older is giving up the things that you enjoy doing.”
But instead of focusing on loss, Van Dyke emphasizes that it’s about finding joy in the things we can still do.
Embracing the Van Dyke method
What can we take from Dick Van Dyke’s example? First, it’s the understanding that it’s never too late to start moving.
Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or just a daily walk, it’s essential to find something that brings us joy.
Van Dyke’s fitness philosophy isn’t about pushing ourselves to extremes; it’s about consistency, enjoying the process, and adapting our routines as we age.
He teaches us that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be the beginning of a new, joyful chapter!
We’d love to hear from you! What activities keep you feeling young? How do you embrace staying active in your daily routine? Have you discovered your own version of the Van Dyke dance? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the ways we stay active and energized, no matter our age!
But what if your mornings were different? What if you woke up with the energy to take on anything? That’s exactly what nearly 100-year-old Dick Van Dyke does every day.
His mornings aren’t just about gentle stretches—they’re full of rhythm and vitality, as he dances through his routine. For him, it’s not just about staying active; it’s about embracing life with an energy that refuses to be bound by age.
This isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that a joyful, simple approach to fitness can defy aging and keep us young at heart, no matter the years.
Wouldn’t you like to know how he does it?

Dick Van Dyke proves that age is just a number as he dances his way to health and happiness, almost 100 years young! Image Source: YouTube / Team Coco.
The ageless wonder of Hollywood
Dick Van Dyke, famous for his roles in beloved classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, isn’t only admired for his iconic film career.
He’s also a shining example of what it means to age gracefully, with a dedication to fitness that many of us could learn from.
In a recent conversation on Ted Danson’s podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Van Dyke shared his secret to vitality: “I’m almost 100. This is insane. I’ve always exercised three days a week.”
His charming words were more than just a humble admission—they reflected a lifetime of commitment to staying active.
A routine that dances past time
Imagine this: Dick Van Dyke, gracefully transitioning from one exercise machine to the next, incorporating dance-like movements into his workout.
It’s not just about keeping his body in shape; it’s about keeping his spirit alive.

Dick Van Dyke brings his signature charm and energy to Coldplay's "All My Love" music video, proving that at 99, he's still got the moves! Image Source: YouTube / Coldplay.
Ted Danson, who’s no slouch at 77 himself, was in awe when he saw Van Dyke’s routine at a Malibu gym.
“You literally danced to the next machine,” Danson recalled. For Van Dyke, movement isn’t a chore—it’s a part of his joy, his everyday rhythm that helps him live life to the fullest.
The joy of movement
Van Dyke’s approach to fitness isn’t confined to the gym. His routine also includes swimming laps, stretching, sit-ups, and yoga exercises.
This balanced approach to staying active can serve as a guide for us all, especially as we enter our golden years.
As a society, we often view aging through a lens of decline, but Van Dyke offers a refreshing shift in perspective. In a 2015 NPR interview promoting his book, Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, he shared, “The hardest part about getting older is giving up the things that you enjoy doing.”
But instead of focusing on loss, Van Dyke emphasizes that it’s about finding joy in the things we can still do.
Embracing the Van Dyke method
What can we take from Dick Van Dyke’s example? First, it’s the understanding that it’s never too late to start moving.
Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or just a daily walk, it’s essential to find something that brings us joy.
Van Dyke’s fitness philosophy isn’t about pushing ourselves to extremes; it’s about consistency, enjoying the process, and adapting our routines as we age.
He teaches us that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be the beginning of a new, joyful chapter!
Key Takeaways
- Dick Van Dyke shared his secret to staying healthy at nearly 100 years of age, attributing his good physical condition to exercising three times a week.
- On Ted Danson's podcast, Van Dyke revealed that, aside from gym workouts, his routine also includes plenty of stretching, sit-ups, and yoga exercises.
- Recalling past gym encounters, Danson admired Van Dyke's energy and how he would dance between exercise machines, highlighting the star's joyous approach to fitness.
- Van Dyke emphasized the importance of enjoying life, suggesting that finding a fulfilling hobby or pastime is key to a happy existence, rather than dwelling on past business decisions or missed activities.
We’d love to hear from you! What activities keep you feeling young? How do you embrace staying active in your daily routine? Have you discovered your own version of the Van Dyke dance? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the ways we stay active and energized, no matter our age!