Dick Van Dyke, 97, learns to play the ukulele: 'It's never too late to start something new'

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By Nasima Khatun

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Dick Van Dyke has taken to social media to show off his newest skill and it's pretty heartwarming.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 97-year-old posted a video of himself playing a ukulele alongside a caption that read: "My first ukulele lesson."

"It’s never too late to start something new," he added as he put on a smile for the session with his instructor.

"Where’s the F?", Van Dyke asked as he tried to find the correct key while playing the instrument in the video.

Thousands of fans took to the comments to praise the former Marry Poppins star for his outlook on life, writing: "Love that you’re still trying new things! A lesson in how to stay young."

"Amen! I started tap dancing at age 60. I’ll never win any awards for it, but I’m having fun," recalled one user while another joked: "As long as you don’t break it over your head and get amnesia… Antonio Stradivarius. We adore you!"

"There is a special place for this amazing soul, incomparable grace, kindness and talent," another wrote.

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Credit: Instagram

Not only does trying new things make him feel youthful, but the 97-year-old also credited his wife for her impact on his happiness.

During an interview with Yahoo, the veteran entertainer opened up about how his wife, Arlene Silver, plays a crucial part in keeping his vibrant glow.

When asked what was his "secret for staying so youthful," the Mary Poppins alum replied: "Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me - that works!"

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Dick Van Dyke credits his wife, Arlene Silver, with keeping him young. Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty

Van Dyke and Silver have been married for 11 years after the pair tied the knot back in February 2012, just a year after she moved into Van Dyke’s Malibu home. As per the Independent, the couple initially met at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2006 where Silver was working as a makeup artist and the actor was making an appearance at the ceremony.

During the interview, he also went on to add that his wife helps him maintain a "positive attitude" as well as encouraging him to keep a healthy lifestyle by working out three times a week.

"I advise everybody to do that, because that’s what ages people," he continued. "It’s just a stiffening up and not exercising their muscles and their lungs. Exercise is the answer."

You heard it here, folks! Get yourself a positive partner, some new hobbies, and a gym membership and you're giving yourself the best chance to not only live, but thrive, until 97 and beyond.

Featured Image Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty