87-Year-Old Photographer Refuses to Retire, Shares Life Secrets

Robert Osborn, an 87-year-old art photographer, has no plans to retire, continuing his career long past conventional retirement age. His guiding principle, 'do what you love, do it brilliantly,' has fueled his enthusiasm and curiosity for nearly a decade. Osborn's perspective on a life well-lived centers on following one's passion, a journey that began with a gifted camera in his youth, eventually transforming photography from a hobby into his primary profession.

He advocates for defining success not by wealth, but by fulfillment. Osborn recounts leaving a lucrative but stressful magazine career for photography, experiencing greater happiness despite reduced earnings. He stresses the essential role of friendships in a long life, reflecting on his close relationship with his framer and gallery manager's children. This emphasis on connection underscores his holistic approach to well-being.

Osborn also prioritizes a healthy lifestyle, incorporating mindful eating and regular exercise. However, his most crucial recommendation is to keep the mind active through creativity, citing the direct correlation between art, music, and cognitive function. By exercising his brain as diligently as his body, he aims for continued vitality and engagement well into his later years.