Dick Van Dyke recently shared insights into the secrets behind his remarkable longevity as he nears his 100th birthday.
At 99, Van Dyke is most recognized for his iconic role in the original *Mary Poppins* film, though his career in Hollywood has spanned several decades.
When someone reaches such an advanced age, it’s natural for people to wonder about the factors contributing to their long life.
There are many suggestions on how to extend longevity, such as staying physically and mentally active and finding joy in life.
Of course, luck plays a role too, including avoiding serious health issues or accidents.
Van Dyke has now disclosed what he believes has significantly contributed to his long life as he anticipates celebrating his 100th birthday on December 13.
It turns out, the key isn’t a revolutionary health trick but rather the simple act of steering clear of cigarettes and alcohol.
Often, it’s the straightforward, conventional advice—like regular exercise and consuming vegetables—that proves beneficial for health.
Van Dyke shared that in his younger years, he smoked and drank heavily but realized he needed to quit to enhance his well-being.
He mentioned, “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality.”
He continued, “If I liked something, I was going to overdo it.”
Understanding what he needed to do, he made a decision.
“So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here,” the revered actor stated.
In 1972, Van Dyke sought treatment for alcoholism and achieved sobriety.
Along the way, he also quit smoking, finding it much harder than giving up alcohol.
On the *Real No Really* podcast, he shared: “It was much worse than the alcohol.”
He also noted, “Sometimes I have more energy than others — but I never wake up in a bad mood.”
While he attributes his long life to sobriety and quitting smoking, Van Dyke acknowledges another key aspect.
He said, “People say, ‘What did you do right?’ I don’t know. I’m rather lazy.”
He elaborated, “I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides – and hate. And I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate.”
He concluded, “I think that is one of the chief things that kept me going.”