What Dick Van Dyke Can Teach Us About Recovery, Longevity & Starting Over at Any Age

Most people know Dick Van Dyke as the joyful, dancing chimney sweep from Mary Poppins or the charming comedy star from The Dick Van Dyke Show. But as he turned 100 years old, he’s sharing something far more meaningful than a Hollywood story—he’s sharing a recovery story.

And it’s one many women in Today’s Sober Women will recognize.

“I got rid of booze and cigarettes… which is probably why I’m still here.”

Van Dyke has been open about having an addictive personality long before he had language for it. Like so many, his drinking started socially. A party here, a weekend there. Nothing dramatic at first.

But addiction rarely starts dramatically—it creeps.

He eventually realized alcohol was changing him:

• From a “happy drunk” into a “mean drunk”
• From lighthearted into testy
• From social drinking into dependence

So at 47 years old—in the middle of fame, success, and long workdays—he checked himself into a hospital to get help. No shame. No excuses. Just honesty and willingness.

That choice changed the next five decades of his life.

Quitting smoking was even harder

He laughs about it now, but he says giving up cigarettes was “twice as hard” as giving up drinking. Anyone who has broken more than one habit at the same time will understand exactly what he means.

What mattered wasn’t doing it perfectly.
What mattered was staying committed to the life he wanted.

Movement, joy, and choosing what keeps you alive

At 100, Dick Van Dyke still dances. Literally.

He goes to the gym three times a week. He sings between machines. He moves because he knows how quickly stiffness—or discouragement—can sneak in if he stops.

And he talks openly about the thing that keeps his heart young:
love, purpose, and laughing at himself.

Even his advice for aging could easily double as advice for early recovery:

• Keep moving.
• Do what you love.
• Let people into your life.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Why this matters for women in recovery

Dick Van Dyke isn’t “just” a Hollywood legend.
He’s proof of something we tell women every day:

• It’s never too late to choose a different life.
• Small changes compound into a future you’re proud of.
• Addiction doesn’t get to write your ending—you do.
• Joy is a practice, not an accident.

Whether you're just starting your sober journey or building year five, ten, or twenty, his story is a reminder that:

• You don’t need perfection.
• You just need willingness.
• Light returns, slowly but surely.
• And you’re stronger than the habits that once held you. 💪

If he can rewrite his life at 47… imagine what’s possible for you today

Here at Today’s Sober Women, we love stories like these—not because they’re neat and shiny, but because they’re true. They remind us that recovery is a series of small, brave choices that build into a life you don’t want to escape from.

And if Dick Van Dyke can still dance on his 100th birthday, imagine the beautiful things still ahead for you.

You are not behind.
You are right on time.
And you’re building a life your future self will thank you for.