‘I never wake up in a bad mood’: the habit behind Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday

‘I never wake up in a bad mood.’ That is how actor Dick Van Dyke described his approach to life while promoting his book ‘100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life,’ as he turned 100 at the end of 2025. He did not credit an expensive diet, a miracle supplement or a complicated fitness routine.

Scientists increasingly believe that this kind of thinking may be more powerful than it appears. A growing body of research suggests optimism, emotional resilience and meaningful relationships are linked with healthier ageing and a longer life. People who think positively often manage stress better, recover emotionally faster after disappointments, and are more likely to stick with healthy habits such as exercising regularly, sleeping well and attending medical check-ups.

Van Dyke has also never truly stopped doing meaningful work, continuing to act, dance and create instead of viewing retirement as a finish line. Research suggests that having a strong sense of purpose may support healthy ageing, with the National Institute on Aging noting that staying socially, mentally and physically engaged contributes to maintaining cognitive function and overall wellbeing as people grow older.

In another of his books, ‘Keep Moving: And Other Truths About Living Well Longer,’ Van Dyke summed up his philosophy: ‘Old age is part fact, part state of mind, part luck.’

Image: Wikimedia Commons/by Gage Skidmore