I just finished re-reading Dick Van Dyke’s second book Keep Moving: and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, published in 2015 when he turned 90. Dick Van Dyke turned 95 this past December, and is still going strong, almost as active as ever.
Van Dyke is a classic example of how one can age well and feel young and vital, even at age 95. His positive and upbeat attitude about life is part of the reason he retains his youth, and he attributes a daily workout to be a major reason why he is able to Keep Moving,
.His book is filled with one liners, aphorisms, stories and suggestions, all related to aging and living a life filled with youthful thinking and vitality. I’ve included enough so you get the gist of his message, but not enough to run afoul of the copyright laws. Consider this article a review and endorsement of the book (I don’t receive anything if you go and buy it). Here are some quotes and a couple of the truths and tips included in the book.
Quote: “Good habits matter. Eating light and fresh. Staying away from fast and processed foods. Not smoking. Working out regularly. Even going for a walk every day is extremely beneficial for longevity.” p. 43
Quote: “In the morning I work out at my local gym. I’ll be honest, every day it gets tougher to get out of bed, put on the sweats, and work out. But it’s important.” p. 42.
That was at age 90. At age 93, he said: “I’m always dancing. I work out every day, mostly in the pool. I go to the gym and do a little bit of weight lifting, but at my age, not a lot.”
Tip: “If a doctor tells you he can make you look twenty years younger, don’t believe him. Everybody will notice. And nobody will think you look twenty years younger.” p. 143
Truth: “Yes, you wasted too much time worrying about things that didn’t matter.” p. 144
Tip: “New experiences are the only things you can collect in life that end up being worth it.” p. 144
By the way, the book is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who can remember back to the old Dick Van Dyke Show with Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam.
Dick Van Dyke is still singing and dancing at his current age of 95. In his book (age 90), he said that while he still dances, it hurts more and he takes Advil. I would guess that he’ll keep on dancing for another ten years, or even more. What a great lesson in longevity.
Van Dyke recently played a part in the movie Mary Poppins Returns and he was a Kennedy Center honoree in 2020 at age 94.
Thank you for reading and KEEP MOVING!