Dick Van Dyke turns 100 this year, and he says he feels “really good.” 

In a recent conversation with People, he credits his attitude for both his age and the fact that he has “no pain, no discomfort.”

“I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides – and hate,” Van Dyke said, explaining how people often ask what he did right.

He added that he’s “rather lazy” and never felt driven by the kind of resentment that can harden over time.

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“Sometimes I have more energy than others – but I never wake up in a bad mood,” he told People.

The actor explained that while there were always things and people he didn’t like or approve of, he “never really was able to work up a feeling of hate,” and certainly not “a white-heat kind of hate.”

He contrasted himself with his father, who was “constantly upset by the state of things in his life,” noting to People that his father died at 73.

Van Dyke believes avoiding that emotional pattern is one of the chief things that kept him going.

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Modern research appears to back up this idea that emotional states play a meaningful role in long-term health.

Studies on aging adults show that anger can heighten inflammation in the body, raising levels of markers like IL-6 and increasing risk of illness.

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These effects can accelerate the wear-and-tear process associated with aging.

The broader scientific picture suggests that patterns of hostility or persistent irritation function like a physiological tax, straining the systems that keep the body resilient.

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Van Dyke explained in the interview his belief that “people are born with an outlook.”

“I just think I was born with a brighter outlook,” while others, he says, are born having to fight against downward spirals.

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“And after 100 years, I think I’m right.”

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“When you expire, you expire,” he told People. “I don’t have any fear of death for some reason. I can’t explain that but I don’t. I’ve had such a wonderfully full and exciting life… I can’t complain.”

Van Dyke’s 100th birthday falls on Dec. 13.

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Pumpkin is a staple ingredient in many holiday dishes, like pumpkin pie, breads, soups and even ravioli.

In addition to its seasonal appeal, pumpkin has been shown to have many health benefits.

According to New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, pumpkin is a great source of fiber and potassium, which boosts heart health by countering sodium’s effect on blood pressure.

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“For heart health — and health in general — we are always looking for ways to increase our daily intake of fiber, and pumpkin is a good source,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview.

About 1 cup of canned organic pumpkin purée can provide more than 10% of daily potassium and contains about 4 grams of fiber.

DeCicco suggested adding pumpkin purée to smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt bowls for a “rich creaminess” that also satisfies the appetite.

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According to the nutritionist, pumpkin is also very high in antioxidants.

“There is research correlating a diet high in antioxidants to health benefits, specifically lowering the risk of inflammatory conditions,” DeCicco added.

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Pumpkin and other brightly colored foods, like butternut squash and carrots, also contain carotenoids, which can help protect against cell damage.

It’s important to read labels carefully when using items like canned pumpkin purée because some labeled “pumpkin pie mix” most likely include added sugars, the nutritionist warned.

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“Look for the can to only say ‘organic pumpkin’ as the ingredient,” she advised. “If you do want to add a bit of sweetness on your own, add ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger and a small amount of low glycemic sugar, like coconut palm sugar.”

For a nutrient-dense snack, DeCicco recommends adding pumpkin seeds.

“Pumpkin seeds pack a huge protein and fiber punch to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings and are also high in many antioxidants and vitamins for overall health,” she said. “Rich in zinc for immune health — and studied to improve prostate health — they are also high in potassium, magnesium and iron.”

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Just a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds can provide about 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, according to DeCicco. The fiber increases when eating the seeds after they are shelled.