US EditionDick Van Dyke Credits His Longevity To His Positive Outlook – And Research Says Optimists Live Longer
Dick Van Dyke attributes his longevity to quitting smoking and drinking, staying active, and avoiding anger; studies link optimism to 11-15% longer life, researchers say.
- On December 13, actor Dick Van Dyke told a Malibu, California audience he credits his longevity to a positive outlook and never getting angry as he nears 100.
- Van Dyke stopped smoking and drinking decades ago, crediting that midlife change with helping him avoid health problems that shortened peers' lives.
- Researchers found that optimism correlates with longer life, as a UK study found optimistic people lived 11%–15% longer and a 2022 cohort study of around 160,000 women linked optimism to reaching their 90s, while telomeres and meditation research associates stress reduction with slower cellular ageing.
- Van Dyke maintains physical routines, exercising at least three times a week with water aerobics and long walks, while experts recommend relaxation techniques like slowed breathing or yoga to reduce cardiovascular strain.
- His career has kept him visible for decades, with Van Dyke appearing in an Emmy-winning guest role years ago and a viral Coldplay video last year after Mary Poppins.
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Study Finds
Dick Van Dyke Credits His Longevity To His Positive Outlook – And Research Says Optimists Live Longer
The beloved actor credits his remarkable longevity to his positive outlook and never getting angry. The post Dick Van Dyke Credits His Longevity To His Positive Outlook – And Research Says Optimists Live Longer appeared first on Study Finds.
Dick Van Dyke’s surprising path to 100
Dick Van Dyke, the beloved star of “Mary Poppins” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” says giving up alcohol and cigarettes decades ago is one reason he’s still thriving at 99 years old. The actor, who turns 100 on December 13, shared his story at a recent event in Malibu, California.
Dick Van Dyke credits his longevity to his positive outlook – and research says optimists live longer
Dick Van Dyke, the legendary American actor and comedian who starred in classics such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, turns 100 on December 13. The beloved actor credits his remarkable longevity to his positive outlook and never getting angry. While longevity of course comes down to many factors – including genetics and lifestyle – there is some truth to Van Dyke’s claims. Numerous studies have shown that keeping stress levels low a…
If it's still rare to get to the 100s, in Hollywood's turbulence it's even more rare to go through the ind fire life to boots, curses, intrigades, vegetarian attacks and focusses in general. They're approaching that in general lines Dick Van Dyke is arriving in this bathroom (13). Read more (12/12/2025
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