Richard Reeves, 80

USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism

Title: Writer, senior lecturer

Background: A former New York Times political writer, he has authored several presidential biographies and has had a syndicated newspaper column since 1979.

How many hours a week do you work?

More than 40.

Why not retire?

To do what? My brother, who is 78, retired as athletic director of Columbia University. He was so bored, he now works as a conductor on the boardwalk shuttle in his town in Maryland at $10.41 an hour.

Does your family want you to retire?

No.

Best part of working past 80? Worst?

Best: I love my work and my colleagues, too. Worst? You don’t have much of

a future; planning and dreaming are

in decline.

Are you up to date on technology?

No. I basically peak at e-mail and Siri.

What is the best advice you ever got?

When I was a young reporter at The New York Times, my boss, Arthur Gelb, urged me to keep a journal. “You are going to meet many of the most interesting people on the planet,” said he. I didn’t do it. I’ve written 20 books, and the 21st should have been that journal/memoir.

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

Do it. There’s an insurance company ad featuring (retired) Peyton Manning sitting on a park bench in a bathrobe. The old guy stands up and says, “Don’t give up what you’re doing!” The old guy’s right.

What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?

Staying active. Having a big family, like me: five children, seven grandchildren.

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

No; wish I did.

How has your work routine changed?

Not so much, if I’m working on a book. Up early, read, write, then off to the office.

What do you miss the most about being young?

My wife. The energy and ambitions.

What do you see in the future?

You know that answer.

– Paul Eakins