Dick Van Dyke is finding himself more confined to his home and feeling “diminished” as he nears his 100th birthday next month.
The legendary actor explained that he’s now forced to decline invitations that require travel, meaning almost all of his social interactions will happen within the confines of his $8 million Malibu home.
In a candid interview with the Sunday Times magazine, Dick shared his thoughts on reaching the century mark: “It’s frustrating to feel diminished in the world, both physically and socially.”
He elaborated, “I receive invitations to events or offers for gigs in places like New York or Chicago, but the travel is too taxing, so I have to turn them down. Most of my socializing now happens at home.”
Despite the challenges, Dick’s interview wasn’t all about decline; he also shared insights into his secret to happiness and staying fit as he ages.
The beloved American icon revealed that his 54-year-old wife, Arlene Silver, plays a crucial role in keeping him young at heart, always discovering new ways to keep him active.
Dick Van Dyke has told how he is increasingly housebond and feeling ‘diminished’ as he approaches his 100th birthday next month
The America star admitted his 54-year-old wife Arlene Silver keeps him feeling young, as she constantly finds new ways to keep him moving (pictured together in 2023)
He said: ‘I met Arlene in 2006 and she quickly became my soulmate and the love of my life. Without question, our ongoing romance is the most important reason I have not withered away into a hermetic grouch.
‘Arlene is half my age, and she makes me feel somewhere between two thirds and three quarters my age, which is still saying a lot.’
Elsewhere, Dick revealed one of the ways he tries to keep himself feeling younger is by going to the gym three times a week.
Last month was he even pictured flexing his muscles while enjoying a productive gym session while crossing paths with an unlikely celebrity pal.
Dick – who recently sparked concern for his health after dropping out of an event last minute – was in the midst of a workout when Grammy-wining singer Rick Springfield stopped by the same gym.
He uploaded an Instagram photo of the pair as they showcased their arm muscles.
‘Filming an episode of Men’s Health and I went to the gym and who should be there but 99 year-old Dick Van Dyke working out on every machine,’ he wrote.
‘Dick has lived in Malibu for about 30 years and is an awesome human being,’ the performer continued.
‘I thought I was doing well at 76, but Dick got up from the chest press machine and did a little dance step before I left! ❤️ Amazing!’
Elsewhere, Dick revealed one of the ways he tries to keep himself feeling younger is by going to the gym three times a week (pictured 2023)
Last month was he even pictured flexing his muscles while enjoying a productive gym session while crossing paths with an unlikely celebrity pal
The Mary Poppins actor could be seen flexing his muscles on his right arm while sitting on one of the exercise equipment in the spacious gym.
Springfield crouched down next to the Hollywood star to also do the same and sent a small smile towards the camera.
Dick donned a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up as well as black Puma track pants.
Dick will ring in his 100th birthday later this year on December 13.
Back in May, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star revealed what the ‘curse’ of living to almost 100 is during a Q&A at the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event.
His wife Arlene – whom he tied the knot with in 2012 – then cut in to add, ‘He’s outlived everybody. That’s the curse of living to almost 100.’
She then asked her husband how he stays positive despite losing those close to him and he replied, ‘Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.’
Van Dyke reflected on how performing still keeps him going at his age and also gives him a boast of energy.
‘I’m a ham. I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience,’ the actor told People at the event.
Last year in September, the star joked that he’s still ‘looking for work’ while at the Creative Arts Emmys.
At the ceremony, he tied the record with Norman Lear for being the oldest Emmy winner. Van Dyke had been 98-years-old at the time of the event.
The star won the award for Outstanding Variety Special for his 2023 birthday special Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.
After receiving the award, he told reporters that he hopes to be remembered for making people laugh, per People.
‘I hope for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.’
He then humorously added, ‘I’m looking for work if anybody has.’
The actor has appeared in a number of films over the years such as Mary Poppins (1964) and also starred on the sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966).
Last year in September, the star joked that he’s still ‘looking for work’ while at the Creative Arts Emmys (seen above)
The actor has appeared in a number of films over the years such as Mary Poppins (1964) and also starred on the sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966); the star seen in 1955
