Dick Van Dyke Credits Wife Arlene Silver With ‘Longevity’ at 99: ‘He Wants to Make It Much Further’

Dick Van Dyke has been waxing lyrical about his marriage to Arlene Silver and a source exclusively tells Closer they’re having the summer of their lives while preparing for the beloved Hollywood legend to turn 100 years old at the end of the year.

“Dick is very excited about turning 100,” the insider says. On the verge of becoming a centenarian, the former show host refuses to slow and makes it a point to keep himself moving well into old age. 

“He’s still so full of vigor, he still works out with a personal trainer, eats healthy, and he and Arlene go on daily walks,” the source explains. “He is a very active guy and it’s paid off because his health is great.” 

The Mary Poppins star, whose 100th birthday will roll around December 13, tied the knot with Arlene, 53, in 2012. A makeup artist, she was plying her trade for the 2006 SAG awards when they met and hit it off. “She is the best wife,” the icon told the Malibu Times. “She’s made me the happiest man in the world. Our life is so good together.”

His wife of 13 years told Huffington Post she plans on being with Dick for as long as possible, and as the source notes, that includes looking after their health. “We take very good care of each other,” she said. “But, I’m very aware that I have a national treasure on my hands … He’s the perfect human being but he’s also the perfect partner.”

Though, the insider adds the legendary host labors under no illusions about what the far future holds, even if the next decade or so is up for grabs. “He isn’t delusional though, he is aware that time is limited, that’s why he and Arlene treat every day as a gift.” 

“When a person is nearing 100, like Dick is, time is very omnipresent. He’s six months from 100 and counting down the days,” the insider explains. “He wants to make it much further, so this isn’t some end milestone but he is very proud to be at his age and in such a great place in life.” 

Dick previous partner, Michelle Triola, died from lung cancer in 2009 — a heartbreak the comedian says he got through with the help of his now-wife. “Arlene would come by after work and bring me food,” he told People. “She was such a support, I fell in love.” According to him, after sharing so much together there really was no option besides spending the rest of his life with her. “I have a few friends who have always enjoyed living alone,” he said. “But for some reason, that just isn’t the life for me. You gotta have somebody to love.”

The source confirms that Dick’s late-in-life romance is keeping him going through thick and thin. “He credits Arlene with his longevity, because she brings him so much happiness.” 

“He can’t wait to get up in the morning to spend the day with her. And they’ve still got plenty of spark, they are always kissing and holding hands, it’s very sweet.”