Dick Van Dyke Credits His Longevity to One Habit – And Science Backs It Up

Why Consistency Beats Intensity

One of the most important lessons from Dick Van Dyke’s approach is that consistency matters far more than intensity.

Many people avoid exercise because they believe it has to be:

• Exhausting
• Time-consuming
• Painful
• Perfect

Van Dyke’s example shows the opposite. You don’t need extreme routines to see benefits. You need movement you can sustain for years — even decades.

Science confirms this:

• Short, frequent bouts of activity are highly effective
• Moderate exercise performed consistently outperforms sporadic intense workouts
• Enjoyable movement increases long-term adherence

In other words, the best exercise is the one you’ll actually keep doing.

The Mental Side of the Habit

While movement is the physical habit, there’s also a mental component that can’t be ignored.

Dick Van Dyke is known for his optimism, humor, and curiosity. He has spoken openly about choosing to stay engaged with life rather than withdrawing from it.

Movement and mindset reinforce each other:

• Physical activity boosts mood through endorphin release
• Movement reduces stress and anxiety
• A positive mindset increases motivation to stay active

This creates a powerful feedback loop — one that supports both mental and physical longevity.