Dick Van Dyke, 98, shares secret to ageless looks and health

Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke, at the remarkable age of 98, has given a glimpse into his routine for maintaining youth and fitness. Crowned earlier this year as the oldest Emmy winner on record, he’s sworn by his consistent gym schedule for helping him keep up his enviable energy levels.

Best remembered for his sprightly dance routines in timeless films such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the American actor has clearly kept up his agility from the days of his on-screen tap dances.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, when quizzed about his energy, the star said: "I've often tried to think: 'What did I do to live this long?' and I can't figure out. The only thing is I've always exercised."

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Speaking with his partner, Arlene Silver, Van Dyke revealed that rigorous exercise is his longevity's secret weapon. He added: “We still go to the gym three days a week and work out. Most people at 98 years old don't really feel like working out, and they seize up, you know?

“You get stiff, and I still, you know, move pretty well. And I think that must be the secret because I don't really watch my diet or anything. Stayed skinny. That helps.", reports the Express.

After releasing his book, Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, the actor shared his daily diet and fitness routine with the Chicago Tribune. His day begins at 6am with a cup of coffee. He then heads to the gym early in the day "before I talk myself out of it", where he exercises on the treadmill and lifts weights before carrying on with his daily tasks in a much better mood.

The star said: "I can go to the gym feeling pretty lousy, but I walk out of there with a bounce in my step and feeling pretty good." Dick usually chooses a "light and fresh" meal, confessing that he isn't a big fan of meat. While he doesn't follow a specific diet, he watches what he eats and keeps an eye on his sugar levels.

However, he isn't afraid to satisfy his sweet tooth. He confessed to eating ice cream every night, particularly Haagen-Dazs vanilla topped with a generous amount of chocolate syrup, fulfilling his childhood dream of being able to eat sweets for dinner every night when he grew up.