"However, after ninety years on the planet, I can confirm one absolute, fundamental, inarguable truth about life: it is an endless series of surprises. We old people---no, make that us folks who have lived a long time---have learned this basic truth: no one knows what is going to happen next. It's all a mystery wrapped in a gift box that you only find when you least expect it."
-Dick Van Dyke
With the subtitle and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, this book seems like a manual of how-to grow old gracefully. It was easy to read, just over 200 pages, with some very good advice for seniors.
Many of the "tips and truths" I had read or heard before but Van Dyke has put his advice together in an entertaining way, spicing it up with some of the humor for which he is well-known. Since I love to dance, I really appreciated his suggestion that the best way to stay sharp is dancing! Keep Moving gets a rating of 3 from me.
I have been a fan of Van Dyke's work but didn't know he currently sings with a quartet called the Vantastix. They do charity performances, including in hospitals. Throughout the book he includes anecdotes about his work and the people who have influenced him, particularly Carl Reiner. I didn't realize Stan Laurel was his idol, but it makes sense.
The chapter titled "Ninety Years--a Report Card" was cleverly written, covering the biggest news of his lifetime and grading each from A-F. Interestingly, his 3rd wife, Arlene is more than 40 years his junior. How they got together after the loss of his beloved 2nd wife to cancer added some romance to his book.
If you are over 60 and need some inspiration for staying young, read this one!
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