Dick Van Dyke’s Spouse Says His Longevity Can Be a ‘Curse’

Dick Van Dyke could also be 99 years outdated and main an lively life, however longevity comes with its personal set of challenges too.

Throughout a “Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Current Vandy Camp” occasion in California, the actor and his spouse, Arlene, spoke concerning the heartbreaking actuality that comes with him dwelling to nearly 100.

Van Dyke mirrored on the dying of his longtime pal Ed Asner and shared that they have been alleged to remake “The Odd Couple,” a 1965 Broadway play about two roommates that has been tailored right into a film and a TV sitcom through the years. Asner died in 2021 on the age of 91.

“That may’ve been such enjoyable, and we misplaced it. I’ve misplaced quite a lot of associates,” Van Dyke mentioned, per Individuals.

“He is outlived everyone,” his spouse, 53, mentioned. “That is the curse of dwelling to nearly 100.”

Regardless of shedding so many associates and costars through the years, the “Mary Poppins” star is “nonetheless so optimistic,” she mentioned.

“Properly, life’s been good to me. I am unable to complain,” he added.

This is not the primary time that Van Dyke has spoken about ageing and longevity.

In a 2023 CBS interview, the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” actor mentioned he would have taken higher care of himself if he had recognized he was going to reside such a protracted life. He additionally mirrored on outliving his associates Norman Lear, who died just a few weeks earlier than the interview, and Carl Reiner, who died in 2020 at 98.

“All people I knew and labored with, there is no one left,” Van Dyke mentioned.

In 2024, Van Dyke advised Leisure Tonight that common train has been the “secret” to his longevity.

“I’ve usually tried to assume, ‘What did I do to reside this lengthy?’ and I am unable to work out,” he mentioned. “The one factor is I’ve all the time exercised. We nonetheless go to the health club three days per week and work out.”

In accordance with the CDC, the typical life expectancy within the US is 74.8 years for males and 80.2 years for females.

Nevertheless, the variety of centenarians within the US is projected to extend from 107,000 in 2025 to about 444,000 in 2055, per estimates from the USA Census Bureau.

However dwelling that lengthy usually means outliving associates, companions, and friends, making loneliness a rising concern amongst older Individuals.

Moreover, Rose Anne Kenny, a professor at Trinity Faculty Dublin whose work focuses on ageing, mentioned that analysis has proven that having social interactions and good friendships might be as vital as train and food regimen for longevity.

A number of child boomers advised BI that they’re discovering budget-friendly methods to keep up a wholesome social life, together with taking over new hobbies and returning to work.

A consultant for Van Dyke didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark despatched by BI exterior common hours.