In a recent conversation with People<\/a>, he credits his attitude for both his age and the fact that he has “no pain, no discomfort.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person\u2019s insides \u2013 and hate,” Van Dyke said, explaining how people often ask what he did right.<\/p>\n He added that he\u2019s “rather lazy” and never felt driven by the kind of resentment that can harden over time.<\/p>\n ADDING LAUGHTER TO YOUR LIFE CAN BOOST HEALTH AND HEALING, EXPERTS SAY<\/a><\/p>\n Dick Van Dyke credits his longevity largely to avoiding anger and hate rather than following any strict lifestyle regimen. (Gilbert Flores\/Variety via Getty Images)<\/p>\n “Sometimes I have more energy than others \u2013 but I never wake up in a bad mood,” he told People.<\/p>\n The actor explained that while there were always things and people he didn\u2019t like or approve of, he “never really was able to work up a feeling of hate,” and certainly not “a white-heat kind of hate.”<\/p>\n He contrasted himself with his father, who was “constantly upset by the state of things in his life,” noting to People that his father died at 73.<\/p>\n Van Dyke believes avoiding that emotional pattern is one of the chief things that kept him going.<\/p>\n NEGATIVE THOUGHTS MIGHT BE CHANGING YOUR BRAIN IN SURPRISING WAYS, STUDY SUGGESTS<\/a><\/p>\n Modern research appears to back up this idea that emotional states play a meaningful role in long-term health.<\/p>\n Studies on aging adults show that anger can heighten inflammation in the body, raising levels of markers like IL-6 and increasing risk of illness.<\/p>\n He says he has “no pain, no discomfort” at nearly 100, attributing it in part to emotional steadiness. (Monica Schipper\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n 7 STEPS TO \u2018SUPER-AGING\u2019 ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY<\/a><\/p>\n These effects can accelerate the wear-and-tear process associated with aging.<\/p>\n The broader scientific picture suggests that patterns of hostility or persistent irritation<\/a> function like a physiological tax, straining the systems that keep the body resilient.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n Van Dyke explained in the interview his belief that “people are born with an outlook.”<\/p>\n “I just think I was born with a brighter outlook,” while others, he says, are born having to fight against downward spirals.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/a><\/p>\n Studies suggest reducing hostility and negative emotions can support resilience, slow aging, and potentially extend lifespan. (Amanda Edwards\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n “And after 100 years, I think I\u2019m right.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n “When you expire, you expire,” he told People. “I don\u2019t have any fear of death for some reason. I can\u2019t explain that but I don\u2019t. I\u2019ve had such a wonderfully full and exciting life\u2026 I can\u2019t complain.”<\/p>\n Van Dyke\u2019s 100th birthday<\/a> falls on Dec. 13.<\/p>\n![\"Dick](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dick-van-dyke-turning-100.jpg\")
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