Dick Van Dyke, the 98-year-old Hollywood legend, has revealed his secret to staying youthful and fit.
The actor, who broke records earlier this year by becoming the oldest Emmy winner, credits his long-standing gym routine for his impressive health and vitality.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Van Dyke was asked about the source of his enduring energy. He responded: “I’ve often tried to think: ‘What did I do to live this long?’ and I can’t figure out. The only thing is I’ve always exercised.”
The star, renowned for his memorable dance sequences in classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has evidently maintained his physical fitness since his last on-screen tap dance.
Turning to his wife, Arlene Silver, Van Dyke disclosed that he believes the key to his longevity lies in his commitment to regular exercise.
He said: “We still go to the gym three days a week and work out. Most people at 98 years old don’t really feel like working out, and they seize up, you know?
“You get stiff, and I still, you know, move pretty well. And I think that must be the secret because I don’t really watch my diet or anything. Stayed skinny. That helps.”
After releasing his book Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, the actor shared his daily diet and fitness routine with the Chicago Tribune. His day begins at 6am with a cup of coffee.
He then heads to the gym early in the day “before I talk myself out of it”, where he exercises on the treadmill and lifts weights before carrying on with his daily tasks in a much better mood. The theatre star said: “I can go to the gym feeling pretty lousy, but I walk out of there with a bounce in my step and feeling pretty good.”
Dick usually chooses a “light and fresh” meal, confessing that he isn’t a big fan of meat. While he doesn’t follow a specific diet, he watches what he eats and keeps an eye on his sugar level.
However, he isn’t afraid to satisfy his sweet tooth.
He confessed to eating ice cream every night, particularly Haagen-Dazs vanilla topped with a generous amount of chocolate syrup, fulfilling his childhood dream of being able to eat sweets for dinner every night when he grew up.
