Dick Van Dyke Age 99 Admits He “Hopes” to Make it to 100, Reveals Health Struggles Days Before His Milestone Birthday

Dick Van Dyke age is approaching a momentous milestone as the legendary entertainer counts down to his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025. Just days before the occasion, the Mary Poppins icon has shared candid thoughts about his health challenges and his hope to reach the century mark. The beloved actor, who remains optimistic despite physical limitations, is reflecting on a century of life with characteristic charm and humor.

Dick Van Dyke Age Milestone Approaches with Health Reality Check

The Hollywood legend sat down with People Magazine at his Malibu home alongside his wife Arlene Silver, 54, to discuss his upcoming centennial. When asked what surprises him most about reaching this age, Van Dyke simply responded, “The fact that I made it.” His candid admission reveals the uncertainty he felt about reaching such an advanced age, yet his optimism shines through even as he acknowledges real physical challenges.

Despite walking with a cane and admitting to being “a bit hard of hearing and a tad wobbly,” the actor maintains a remarkably positive outlook. “I feel really good for 100,” he told the publication, adding that while he sometimes has less energy than other days, he “never wake[s] up in a bad mood.” This upbeat perspective comes even as he faces the reality of aging.

Facing Physical Changes Days Before 100th Birthday

Earlier this month, Van Dyke opened up about feeling “frustrated” with the physical toll of aging. He revealed that travel has become increasingly difficult, as it “takes so much out of me.” The star, known for his energetic performances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and his iconic television career, now grapples with the limitations that come with being weeks away from his centennial.

However, Van Dyke hasn’t let these challenges stop his active lifestyle. He continues to hit the gym three times a week, a practice he describes in his new book. “If I miss too many gym days, I really can feel it,” he shared in an interview with The Times, noting that stiffness creeps in without regular activity. His determination to stay mobile demonstrates his commitment to maintaining quality of life at nearly 100 years old.

The Secret to Reaching 100: Avoiding Anger and Living Optimistically

Health Factor	Dick Van Dyke’s Approach
Emotional Health	Avoided anger and hate, which he believes “eats up a person’s insides”
Physical Activity	Gym visits three times weekly plus regular dancing and singing
Attitude Toward Life	Persistent optimism and focus on the positive side of things
Mortality	No fear of death; accepts it as a natural part of life

When asked about his longevity, Van Dyke pointed to emotional resilience as foundational to his long life. “I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides — and hate,” he explained. He contrasted his approach with his father’s, noting that his father was constantly upset and died at age 73 with emphysema. “I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate,” Van Dyke stated, suggesting this emotional discipline has been central to his health.

He credited his wife Arlene Silver with keeping him youthful. “She’s responsible for keeping me in the moment,” he shared, explaining that they sing and dance together regularly. These activities, combined with his natural talent and passion for entertainment, have kept his spirit young even as his body ages.

A Life of Entertainment and Gratitude as 100-Year Milestone Arrives

Dick Van Dyke expressed philosophical acceptance about death, revealing a lack of fear as he faces his centennial. “When you expire, you expire,” he told People, before adding, “I don’t have any fear of death for some reason. I can’t explain that but I don’t.” He credits his full life to his contentment, saying, “I’ve had such a wonderfully full and exciting life. That I can’t complain.”

As for his legacy, Van Dyke wrote in his new book that the survival of what he’s shared matters more than how long people remember him. “For as long as children are proudly belting out their new word, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, or singing and skipping along to ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee,’ the most important part of me will always be alive.” This sentiment captures his true hope: that his art endures beyond his lifetime.

Will Dick Van Dyke Age to 100 and Beyond?

Though Van Dyke said he “hopes” he makes it to his birthday, his physical and mental resilience suggest the odds are in his favor. The actor recently appeared on TODAY with Al Roker to discuss his new book and approaching birthday. He expressed surprising optimism about continuing to work, joking that he’s “looking for work right now” and remarking that he hasn’t retired and doesn’t plan to. His continued engagement with life, despite acknowledged challenges, paints a picture of a man determined to live as fully as possible in his final years.

“I feel really good for 100. Sometimes I have more energy than others — but I never wake up in a bad mood.”

— Dick Van Dyke, in interview with People Magazine

Sources

• People Magazine — Exclusive interview with Dick Van Dyke about his 100th birthday and new book
• TODAY Show with Al Roker — Interview featuring Dick Van Dyke discussing longevity and his centennial
• December 13, 2025 milestone event — Official confirmation of birthday date and public announcements