Exactly 100 Years, Here's the Secret to Dick Van Dyke's Long Life

JAKARTA - Dick Van Dyke is now 100 years old. The legendary actor born on December 13, 1925 is widely known through the film Mary Poppins. His talent in singing and dancing makes him an icon of Hollywood, as well as winning various prestigious awards such as Emmy, Grammy, and Tony.

Now Van Dyke has a new title as a centenarian, a term for those who are 100 years or older. Throughout his life, he often shared habits that kept him healthy until the age of one hundred.

"If it's 100 years, there are many things that no longer work perfectly," he told The New York Times last month, quoted from the CNBC Make It! website.

"But sometimes I feel like I'm 15 again," he added.

In his latest book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life, Van Dyke shares more secrets to living a long and happy life. Here are the three main habits he follows and are supported by various studies.

1. Be diligent in moving the body

Even though he is 100 years old, Van Dyke still regularly goes to the gym three times a week. When moving from one tool to another, he often walks while dancing. In addition to the gym, he does yoga and stretching. Doctors are amazed that he can still touch his toes easily.

This habit is similar to centenarians in Japan, especially in the 'blue zone' area of Okinawa. Many of them start their morning with a light exercise called radio taiso, a short three-minute gymnastics broadcast on the radio. In addition to being healthy, this activity also strengthens the sense of togetherness because it is often done with family or friends.

2. Think Positively and Be Open to Things That Make You Excited

Van Dyke admitted that he always tried to see the good side of everything.

"I think everyone is born with a certain personality and point of view. I tend to see things from a positive side," he said in an interview with Al Roker on TODAY.

He also keeps a playful nature in his life. Last year, he even appeared in a Coldplay music video for the song "All My Love". According to him, he is one of the lucky people who can do the work he has liked since the beginning.

Many long-lived people remain happy because they have jobs that give them meaning and don't really retire from activities they love.

"Imagine how lucky I am. I can play and be silly as part of the job," he explained.

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3. Prioritize Time with Loved Ones

In the final part of the music video for "All My Love", Van Dyke is seen dancing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The scene reflects how precious time with family is to him.

He always tries to make his grandchildren and grandchildren feel at home. He wants his backyard to feel like an amusement park, and plans to add a zip line.

"Just hearing them laugh and shout with joy makes me very happy," he said.

Long-term research from Harvard also shows that the key to happiness and longevity is a healthy and sustainable social relationship.

Regarding his 100th birthday plans, Van Dyke chose a simple celebration. His wife, Arlene Silver, said that her husband did not want to do anything big.

"He just wants to be in the room, watching Jeopardy! reruns with me," she said.

At one hundred years old, Dick Van Dyke proves that being active, thinking positively, and maintaining a warm relationship with loved ones can be the key to a long and meaningful life.