Bram Goldsmith, | 87 | Chairman, City National Corp.

Why not retire?

I enjoy what I’m doing and there’s so much to do. There’s a lot of fun to be had yet.

Does your spouse want you to retire?

No, she’s active, too. My wife, Elaine, is active in many philanthropic organizations, including the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Wallis Annenberg Cultural Center Foundation.

What’s the best part of working past 80?

You get to do what you want, when you want. I also still enjoy working with our clients, some of whom I’ve had relationships with for decades. I know them. There’s a lot I can contribute here.

The worst?

For me, I don’t see any downside.

Are you up to date on technology?

Yes, I have to be.

What advice would you give to people who want to work well past 65?

You have to start planning for it way before 65. You have to envision the job you want to have and make a plan to get it.

Best advice you ever got?

Always be respectful – that’s from my father. When I was a young boy in Chicago, my dad had a candy distribution business during the Depression and on Saturday mornings, candy makers would come to our office and my job, if you can believe it, was to taste the candy. There once was a time when I tried some new candy and it was terrible and I told the salesman, “Yuck, your candy is terrible.” My dad took me aside and said, “Son, never insult someone about their livelihood. If you didn’t think it would sell, tell it to me privately and I’ll value your judgment. Don’t tamper with a person’s self-respect by denigrating their products.” I still remember it today.

What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?

Having something meaningful to do, the knowledge that you still have something to contribute and continuing to help younger people become successful.

Do you work as much as you used to in your 40s and 50s?

About 15 percent less.

What do you miss from when you were young?

No regrets. I love what I am doing.