I'm an 83-year-old yoga instructor. I'm not your typical grandma — I still work to feel fulfilled and supplement my Social Security.

Barbara Brown, 83, teaches chair yoga classes at nursing homes.

Laura Thompson for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Barbara Brown, 83, who works as a yoga instructor in Richmond, Virginia. Brown said her work has been fulfilling, given that many of her classes are at nursing homes. Though she needs to work to supplement her Social Security, Brown said she has no intention of retiring. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I started working after...