The Loneliness of Outliving Almost Everyone You Love
For all the public celebration around turning 100, Van Dyke acknowledges the darker side of longevity: the quiet, aching loneliness of survival. He writes openly about outliving nearly every friend and loved one from his early life and career.
“Every single one of my dearest lifelong friends is gone,” he shared. “Which feels just as lonely as it sounds.”
It is a profound statement — one that few people ever express publicly, especially those in the entertainment world, where image is often polished and softened. And yet, despite this loneliness, Van Dyke emphasizes repeatedly that sadness is not the “essence” of who he is.
He has lost much. But he refuses to let grief define the story of his life.
Love in the Later Years: Arlene, His Anchor and His Source of Joy
One of the most touching parts of Van Dyke’s reflection is the deep affection he expresses for his wife, Arlene Silver. At 54, she is half his age — something the media often highlights — but Van Dyke sees nothing unusual in the match.
“Without question, our ongoing romance is the most important reason I have not withered away into a hermetic grouch,” he wrote with warmth and humor. They met in 2006, married in 2012, and have been inseparable ever since.
What began as a friendship grew into a love story that has grounded him through his nineties. “Arlene makes me feel somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters my age,” he joked — a line that perfectly embodies his timeless charm.
In reality, she brings structure, joy, laughter, and companionship to his days. She is his partner in the truest sense: someone who keeps him connected to the world, encourages him to stay active, and provides emotional nourishment as he navigates the complexities of aging.
“Life Is a Giant Playground” — His Philosophy of Joy
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