8 to 5 at 85

JOHN MOOTY

› AGE: 84

› OCCUPATION: “Corporate law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and franchise law.”

› WORK HISTORY: “I did some work at this firm when I was in college. So I’ve had a relationship here for 63 years.”

› WHY I’M STILL WORKING: “Largely because I really enjoy the practice of law. I enjoy the challenges of the various cases. And I do it because I get more enjoyment out of that than trying to play golf seven days a week.”

› WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT WORKING AT 84 INSTEAD OF 54: “I don’t know that I would say that there’s a great deal of difference, although I’m certainly not putting in as comprehensive a number of hours as I did at 54.”

› WHAT I’D BE DOING IF I WASN’T WORKING: “My wife and I both enjoy traveling. And I suppose that we’d play bridge a little more. And spend more time with our five kids and their spouses and our 17 grandchildren.”

› AN AWARD-WINNING LIFE: “Being elected into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame [in 2003] was very satisfying. The recognition we’ve received from the Super Lawyer designation by Minnesota Law and Politics was significant, as were the Distinguished Service and Outstanding Achievement awards presented to me by the University of Minnesota.”

WAYNE FIELD

› AGE: 85

› OCCUPATION: “I’m on the board of directors of Heritage of Edina, which I founded in 1950. We’re a provider of assisted living with 357 apartments and over 100 employees.”

› HOURS: “I put in 35 to 40 hours a week as a consultant and board member. I took up the computer at age 73 and do all my correspondence on it. I carry my cell phone with me all the time.”

› WHY I’M STILL WORKING: “Retiring is a reason for indolence. I like to work and be creative. I like to keep my brain going and make myself worthy of something.”

› WILL I EVER RETIRE?: “When I get too senile, I will. Fifty percent of people over 85 get dementia, so you have to keep your mind working. Use it or lose it.”

› HIGHLIGHTS OF A LIFE WELL LIVED: “I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice. I got to the top only the first time, with my four sons when I was 69. I was selected Outstanding Young Man of Minnesota in 1952, and ran for governor in 1958. I’ve been around the world four times, but expect to make it a fifth time.”