Living Like Dick Van Dyke at 100
- Dr Paul Bendheim
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The New York Times recently ran a wonderful article about Dick Van Dyke as he approaches his 100th birthday and shares how he stays healthy and happy. You can read the full story here: “How to Live to 100, According to Dick Van Dyke” (The New York Times). The article describes that a long, healthy, joyful life is not just about luck or genes. It comes from daily engaging habits that keep the body and brain strong:
Van Dyke moves his body every day, including going to the gym and working on balance and flexibility.
He keeps his mind active and curious, continuing to create, learn, and by staying involved with the world.
He stays socially connected rather than withdrawing and becoming isolated as he advances in age.
He makes a concerted effort to maintain a positive outlook, focusing on joy, humor, and gratitude even as he faces normal age-related changes.
How BrainSavers Supports These Healthy Habits
BrainSavers Brain+Body Total Fitness Program was designed and built around the same healthy lifestyle pillars celebrated in the article. The program gives older adults a clear, step-by-step way to put these habits into practice in daily life.
BrainSavers focuses on six key areas of brain-body wellness:
Physical fitness: Safe, guided movement to build strength, balance, and endurance; similar to the regular exercise that helps Dick Van Dyke stay mobile and active.
Cognitive fitness: Structured brain and memory exercises that keep attention, problem-solving, and recall sharp as the years go by.
Social engagement: Group classes and shared activities that reduce loneliness and encourage the kinds of social connections linked to better brain health.
Healthful nutrition: Coaching on eating patterns that support both brain and body, reinforcing the lifestyle approach seen in successful agers.
Stress management: Methods and techniques to lower stress, which can otherwise harm memory, mood, and overall health.
Quality sleep: Education and habits that improve sleep, giving the brain time to repair and make memories permanent.
Together, these lifestyle components enable all aging adults to engage in what this remarkable 100-year-old has demonstrated works. It’s a practical program any older adult can follow.
Bringing “Van Dyke Energy” to Your Daily Life
Not everyone can be a legendary dancer or movie star, but many of Dick Van Dyke’s habits are within reach. BrainSavers makes them easier by providing structure, coaching, and community so older adults can move more, think more clearly, connect with others, and enjoy life every day at every age.