Dick Van Dyke, the legendary American actor and comedian who starred in classics such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, turns 100 on December 13. The beloved performer credits his remarkable longevity to maintaining a positive outlook and never getting angry.
While longevity depends on many factors—including genetics and lifestyle—there is scientific evidence supporting Van Dyke’s claim.
Numerous studies show that keeping stress levels low and maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook are strongly associated with living longer.
What the Science Says
One of the most famous examples comes from a study that began in the early 1930s. Researchers asked 678 novice nuns, most around 22 years old, to write autobiographies when they entered a convent.
Six decades later, researchers analyzed these writings and compared them with the women’s health outcomes. They found that those who expressed more positive emotions early in life—such as gratitude rather than resentment—lived an average of 10 years longer than those whose writing reflected more negative emotions.
A UK study similarly found that optimistic individuals lived 11% to 15% longer than their pessimistic counterparts.
In 2022, another large study involving nearly 160,000 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds revealed that those who reported higher levels of optimism were significantly more likely to live into their 90s compared to pessimists.
The Role of Anger and Stress
The Role of Anger and Stress
One explanation for these findings lies in how anger affects the body—particularly the heart.
People with a more positive outlook tend to manage anger more effectively. This is crucial because anger triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormones. Even short bursts of anger can temporarily impair cardiovascular health.
Chronic stress and anger place sustained strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Together, these conditions account for roughly 75% of premature deaths. While stress and anger are not the sole causes, they are significant contributors.
So when Dick Van Dyke says he doesn’t get angry, it may indeed be one of the reasons he has lived such a long life.
Stress, Aging, and Telomeres
There’s also a deeper, cellular explanation linking stress to aging—our telomeres.
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. In young, healthy cells, they are long and intact. As we age, they naturally shorten. Once they become too short, cells struggle to divide and repair themselves, accelerating the aging process.
Stress has been linked to faster telomere shortening. In other words, stress-inducing emotions—such as chronic, uncontrolled anger—may speed up aging at a cellular level.
Research has also found that meditation and other stress-reducing practices are associated with longer telomeres, suggesting that better anger management may support longevity.
Healthy Habits Matter Too
Optimists also tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as exercising regularly and eating well—both of which lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even at nearly 100 years old, Dick Van Dyke reportedly still exercises at least three times a week.
How to Support a Longer Life
How to Support a Longer Life
If you want to improve your chances of living longer, managing stress and anger is a good place to start.
Contrary to popular belief, “letting out” anger by punching a bag, yelling, or running until exhaustion doesn’t help. These behaviors keep the body in a heightened state of arousal, prolonging the stress response and placing continued strain on the heart.
A calmer approach is more effective. Slow, controlled breathing, counting breaths, or relaxation techniques such as yoga help calm the cardiovascular system rather than overstimulate it. Practicing these techniques whenever you feel stressed or angry can reduce long-term strain on the heart.
You can also boost positive emotions by being more present in daily life. Mindfulness increases awareness of both your surroundings and your internal state.
For example, if you’re going out to dinner with your partner, be intentional: choose a restaurant you both enjoy, request a quieter table, and slow down enough to fully experience the moment—engaging all your senses.
Finally, make time for play. For adults, play means doing something purely because it’s enjoyable, not because it serves a purpose. Play boosts positive emotions, which may, in turn, benefit long-term health.
Dick Van Dyke’s advice may be simple, but science suggests it’s sound. While we can’t control everything that affects our health, learning to manage anger and cultivate a more positive outlook can meaningfully support both well-being and longevity.
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