Living to 100, like Dick Van Dyke, certainly has it benefits provided you’re of sound body and mind, but, according to the Mary Poppins star, it also has its negatives.
A common observation from people who live to be very old is that you will eventually watch everyone around you die. This, depending on your relationships, can be either a good or a bad thing. But, for Dick Van Dyke, living to 100 and watching his loved ones pass, has been tough.
While speaking to People about a possible remake of The Odd Couple, Van Dyke was brought back to his relationship with the late Ed Asner. “That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it,” he said. Misty-eyed, he continued, “I’ve lost a lot of friends.”
At the age of 100, Dick Van Dyke has seen many aquaintences drop off their mortal coil. His career has been packed with friends and family. However, as he gets on, more and more people around him die. “He’s outlived everybody,” his wife continued. “That’s the curse of living to almost 100.”
A Full Life For Dick Van Dyke
Although losing people has become a big part of life as he’s gotten older, he still remembers his 100 years with fondness. He’s had an illustrious career, has a loving wife, and four kids. He knows he’s spent his century well.
“Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain,” he told the outlet. He keeps himself able-bodied and active by maintaining his health, even at 100. “Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ I’ve always exercised three days a week,” Dick Van Dyke revealed.
And it’s worked for him. He bagged himself a wife 46 years his senior in 2012. “Everybody said it wouldn’t work,” the geriatric said about his child bride. However, he said that “We get along so well. We just care about each other so much.”
Despite watching so many of his friends pass away, Dick Van Dyke keeps his chin up at 100 years old. Staying fit and hanging off with a woman half his age has kept the sparkle in his eye and a spring in his step.