- Dick Van Dyke sings daily to stay sharp, happy and connected.
- He credits music, movement and love for his longevity.
- Studies show music can help reduce dementia risk in older adults.
At nearly 100 years old, Dick van Dyke is a living legend, a treasured icon of stage and screen whose energy seems boundless. With a career spanning decades, he continues to charm audiences with his signature smile and vivacious spirit. So, what’s his secret to such a long and vibrant life? In a recent interview with the TODAY show, the beloved actor shared one of his simplest, yet most powerful, tips for longevity.
Speaking with Al Roker, our favorite tap-dancing chimney sweeper reveals that his key to staying sharp and happy is something we can all enjoy: music. He explains that he wakes up with a song in his head every single morning and makes it a point to sing throughout the day.
“Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself,” Van Dyke advises with his characteristic warmth.
For Van Dyke, music isn’t a solo activity. He shared that he and his wife, Arlene, often sing together, a joyful habit that strengthens their bond. “She keeps me young,” he tells Roker.
And Van Dyke’s passion for performance isn’t just limited to singing—he still dances whenever he gets the chance. As Roker reminds us, Van Dyke was still leading his interviewers through choreography in the backyard eight years ago, when he was 91.
His active lifestyle doesn’t stop with song and dance. Roker also notes that Van Dyke hits the gym three times a week, a habit Van Dyke writes about in his new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100. And he still has a strong desire to continue to work—Van Dyke’s dream role is playing Ebenezer Scrooge.
While Van Dyke’s advice comes from a lifetime of experience, it’s also backed by science. A recent study published in The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that older adults who listened to music regularly had a notably lower risk of developing dementia. In fact, always listening to music was linked to a nearly 40% reduction in dementia risk, and playing music or doing both had similar benefits for maintaining cognitive health.
The big takeaway: engaging with music is a simple way to help keep your mind sharp as you age.
We love Van Dyke’s advice, especially because it’s practical and joyful, but still backed by science. While singing won’t be a magic bullet for cognitive health, it may be a good practice in conjunction with following tried and true tips for supporting cognitive health, like following the MIND diet.
Van Dyke’s zest for living reminds us all of the power of staying active and, of course, keeping a song in our hearts. So turn up the volume, sing out loud and maybe even find a little space to dance. It’s a prescription for longevity that is as delightful as it is effective.
