Is There a Downside to Living to 100? Dick Van Dyke’s Wife Reveals the Shocking Truth
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Reaching the grand old age of 100 is something many of us dream about—imagine all the candles on that cake! But as beloved Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke approaches his centenary, his wife Arlene Silver has opened up about a side of longevity that’s rarely discussed: the bittersweet reality of outliving so many friends and loved ones.
Dick Van Dyke, now 99, is a name that needs no introduction. From his unforgettable roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to his infectious smile and legendary dance moves, he’s been a fixture in our lives for decades. But even for someone who seems to have it all, ageing comes with its own set of challenges.
During a recent Q&A event in Malibu, Van Dyke reflected on the loss of his dear friend Ed Asner, who passed away in 2021 before the two could fulfil their dream of remaking The Odd Couple together. 'That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it,' Van Dyke shared, his words tinged with both nostalgia and regret. 'I’ve lost a lot of friends.'
His wife, Arlene Silver, 53, didn’t shy away from the reality of his situation. 'He’s outlived everybody,' she said candidly. 'That’s the curse of living to almost 100.' It’s a sentiment that many of us might not consider when we think about the perks of a long life. While we often focus on the wisdom, experience, and stories that come with age, there’s also the heartache of saying goodbye to so many companions along the way.
Despite these losses, Silver is quick to point out that Van Dyke remains 'so positive.' When asked how he manages to keep his spirits up, Van Dyke’s response was simple and uplifting: 'Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.' It’s a reminder that gratitude can be a powerful antidote to sorrow, even in the face of profound loss.
A Love That Defies the Odds
Van Dyke and Silver’s relationship is a testament to the power of love at any age. Married since 2012, the couple has a 46-year age gap—something that raised more than a few eyebrows when they first got together. 'Everybody said it wouldn’t work,' Van Dyke recalled. But the couple has proven the naysayers wrong, with Silver adding, 'We just care about each other so much.'
Their secret? According to Van Dyke, it’s all about getting along and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It’s a heartening message for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s possible to find love later in life—or if age really is just a number.
The Importance of Staying Active
Another key to Van Dyke’s longevity and zest for life is his commitment to staying active. He’s a regular at the gym, working out three times a week—a habit he credits for keeping him spry and energetic. Fellow actor Ted Danson once remarked that Van Dyke would even dance between weight machines, turning a workout into a performance.
'Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ I’ve always exercised three days a week,' Van Dyke shared on Danson’s podcast. 'We go to the gym still, and I think that’s why I’m not stove up as my equals.' It’s a powerful endorsement of the benefits of regular movement, no matter your age.
Facing Life’s Challenges—And Fires
Of course, even the healthiest among us aren’t immune to life’s curveballs. Earlier this year, Van Dyke and Silver faced a terrifying ordeal when the deadly Palisades Fire threatened their Malibu home. Despite the danger, the couple chose not to evacuate, even as flames destroyed other celebrity mansions nearby. At one point, Van Dyke tried to crawl to the car to escape, but thankfully, neighbours came to their aid.
It’s a stark reminder that no matter how charmed a life may seem, everyone faces moments of vulnerability. But with resilience, support, and a bit of luck, we can weather even the fiercest storms.
The Bittersweet Gift of Longevity
Dick Van Dyke’s story is a poignant illustration of the joys and sorrows that come with a long life. While he’s enjoyed a career that’s brought happiness to millions, and a marriage that defies convention, he’s also had to say goodbye to many friends along the way. As his wife so eloquently put it, 'That’s the curse of living to almost 100.'
But perhaps the real lesson here is that life, in all its complexity, is worth celebrating—losses and all. Van Dyke’s gratitude, positivity, and commitment to love and health are an inspiration to us all.
We’d love to hear from you, members! Do you think there’s a 'curse' to living a long life, or do the joys outweigh the sorrows? Have you experienced the bittersweet side of longevity in your own life? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—let’s celebrate the wisdom and resilience of our wonderful community!
Dick Van Dyke, now 99, is a name that needs no introduction. From his unforgettable roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to his infectious smile and legendary dance moves, he’s been a fixture in our lives for decades. But even for someone who seems to have it all, ageing comes with its own set of challenges.
During a recent Q&A event in Malibu, Van Dyke reflected on the loss of his dear friend Ed Asner, who passed away in 2021 before the two could fulfil their dream of remaking The Odd Couple together. 'That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it,' Van Dyke shared, his words tinged with both nostalgia and regret. 'I’ve lost a lot of friends.'
The 'curse of living to almost 100' has been described by Dick Van Dyke’s wife, who noted he has outlived many friends and loved ones. Credit: Depositphotos
His wife, Arlene Silver, 53, didn’t shy away from the reality of his situation. 'He’s outlived everybody,' she said candidly. 'That’s the curse of living to almost 100.' It’s a sentiment that many of us might not consider when we think about the perks of a long life. While we often focus on the wisdom, experience, and stories that come with age, there’s also the heartache of saying goodbye to so many companions along the way.
Despite these losses, Silver is quick to point out that Van Dyke remains 'so positive.' When asked how he manages to keep his spirits up, Van Dyke’s response was simple and uplifting: 'Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.' It’s a reminder that gratitude can be a powerful antidote to sorrow, even in the face of profound loss.
A Love That Defies the Odds
Van Dyke and Silver’s relationship is a testament to the power of love at any age. Married since 2012, the couple has a 46-year age gap—something that raised more than a few eyebrows when they first got together. 'Everybody said it wouldn’t work,' Van Dyke recalled. But the couple has proven the naysayers wrong, with Silver adding, 'We just care about each other so much.'
Their secret? According to Van Dyke, it’s all about getting along and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It’s a heartening message for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s possible to find love later in life—or if age really is just a number.
The Importance of Staying Active
Another key to Van Dyke’s longevity and zest for life is his commitment to staying active. He’s a regular at the gym, working out three times a week—a habit he credits for keeping him spry and energetic. Fellow actor Ted Danson once remarked that Van Dyke would even dance between weight machines, turning a workout into a performance.
'Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ I’ve always exercised three days a week,' Van Dyke shared on Danson’s podcast. 'We go to the gym still, and I think that’s why I’m not stove up as my equals.' It’s a powerful endorsement of the benefits of regular movement, no matter your age.
Facing Life’s Challenges—And Fires
Of course, even the healthiest among us aren’t immune to life’s curveballs. Earlier this year, Van Dyke and Silver faced a terrifying ordeal when the deadly Palisades Fire threatened their Malibu home. Despite the danger, the couple chose not to evacuate, even as flames destroyed other celebrity mansions nearby. At one point, Van Dyke tried to crawl to the car to escape, but thankfully, neighbours came to their aid.
It’s a stark reminder that no matter how charmed a life may seem, everyone faces moments of vulnerability. But with resilience, support, and a bit of luck, we can weather even the fiercest storms.
The Bittersweet Gift of Longevity
Dick Van Dyke’s story is a poignant illustration of the joys and sorrows that come with a long life. While he’s enjoyed a career that’s brought happiness to millions, and a marriage that defies convention, he’s also had to say goodbye to many friends along the way. As his wife so eloquently put it, 'That’s the curse of living to almost 100.'
But perhaps the real lesson here is that life, in all its complexity, is worth celebrating—losses and all. Van Dyke’s gratitude, positivity, and commitment to love and health are an inspiration to us all.
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