Dick Van Dyke Opens Up About Feeling “Diminished” as He Approaches 100: “Growing Old Isn’t for the Faint of Heart”

Beloved Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, is offering a rare and deeply personal look at the realities of aging. In a candid essay for The Times U.K., the Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star spoke honestly about how growing old has changed both his body and his social world.

“It’s frustrating to feel diminished…”

Van Dyke admitted that aging has brought challenges that even he—forever known for his youthful spirit and trademark optimism—cannot ignore.

“It’s frustrating to feel diminished in the world, physically and socially,” he wrote.
“I get invites to events or gigs in New York or Chicago, but that kind of travel takes so much out of me that I have to say no.”

At nearly 100, most of his social life happens at home. Even conversations can be difficult now, as hearing and sight problems make group settings a challenge.

Living Through California Wildfires

On top of age-related struggles, Van Dyke revealed that he recently faced two major Southern California wildfires—including the worst one in local history.

“I spiral into anguish over the mayhem and cruelty being inflicted on the world,” he admitted, adding that some days he feels like the classic “grumpy old man yelling at the TV.”

A Body That Finally Matches His Old Characters

For decades, Van Dyke played lovable older characters on screen—but now, he says, he physically resembles them more than ever.

“I am now a stooper, a shuffler, and a teeterer,” he wrote with humor.
“I have feet problems, and I go supine as often as is politely possible.”

He joked that while his characters once smacked dentures around, he now chews nicotine gum all day, even decades after quitting smoking. His eyesight has declined, and hearing aids have become a necessity—though he refuses to call them “ear trumpets.”

Still Staying Active at 100

Surprisingly, Van Dyke still pushes himself to hit the gym three times a week.

He says movement is the key to staying upright—literally.

“If I miss too many gym days, stiffness creeps in. If I let that set in, God help me.”

His routine includes sit-ups, leg machines (“my legs are two of my most cherished possessions”), and upper-body work. He still moves from machine to machine in a full circuit—without breaks.

Watch Dick Van Dyke  As Bert in Mary Poppins (1964)

Grace, Grief, and Humor

The entertainer says aging brings a mix of wisdom, sorrow, and acceptance, but one tool has helped him more than anything: laughter.

“As I get older, life becomes more of a comedy of errors,” he said.
“If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ve got big problems.”

A Century of Joy, Resilience, and Heart

As Dick Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday, he remains a symbol of joy, resilience, and an incredible zest for life. Even as aging brings challenges, his humor, honesty, and relentless positivity continue to inspire generations.

Growing old may not be easy—but Van Dyke shows that with laughter, love, and a little movement, it can still be filled with light.