Dion Neutra has spent 85 of his nearly 90 years in Silver Lake. As the oldest living resident of the neighborhood, Neutra will be honored for his ongoing contributions at a Los Angeles City Council meeting on Oct. 18. Neutra’s father, Richard, was a world-renowned modernist architect who opened his Glendale Boulevard office in 1950 and later shared the practice with his son, who is also an architect. The building was designated a city monument in 2000 and now houses the Neutra Institute Museum of Silver Lake, featuring an art gallery, community room, and small theater.

AGE 89

TITLE: Principal

COMPANY: Dion Neutra Inc., Silver Lake

How many hours a week do you work?

70-80.

Why not retire?

To retire is to die.

Does your family want you to retire?

Yes.

Best part of working past 80?

Keep your mind active; stay abreast of what’s new; try to keep contributing. I’m trying to write a book called “Nine Decades in Silver Lake”!

And the worst?

Getting tired; being discounted to some extent. Over the past nine decades, I’ve consistently had positions in regard to events as they unfolded in Silver Lake. I’m zero for about 15 in things I’ve advocated. I don’t think this is really an ageist issue. More a lack of imagination.

Are you up to date on technology?

I don’t do CAD (computer-aided design), but understand the need, and how to supervise those who do. I have written a groundbreaking article on how to update this called the “Ultimate CAD Program.” See our website for this.

What is the best advice you ever got?

Be aware of your chance to contribute to your community as a planning official.

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

Keep doin’ it. Take webinars and seminars to keep current.

What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?

All of the above, plus regular exercise. I have a routine of a 15-minute cardio musculature exercise I and my wife do each morning in front of a video screen. I then swim vigorously for 10 minutes most days; about 20 laps in our lap pool. Play a round of executive golf once a week followed by a massage.

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

Even more.

How has your work routine changed?

Technology enables me to be more productive. Annoyed when it fails me.

What do you miss the most about being young?

(I have) loss of energy; neuropathy, chronic pain, failing senses; hearing, sight.

What do you see in the future?

Just hang in there and keep slugging until the very end. Be nice to see some of my dreams fulfilled. See our website.

– Hayley Fox