My grandmas are two of my favourite people in the world. One is a seventy-year-old long-distance bike rider who hikes regularly, dreams of journeying to Antarctica, and spends her time hanging out with a group of TV psychics. The other likes nothing more than to spend her day gardening, drinking copious of amounts of tea, and gossiping about friends and family with me.

Ari Seth Cohen likes old people too. In fact, his blog Advanced Style is dedicated to eccentric, style-savvy elderly ladies who wear their hearts on their sleeves, so to speak. Since he started the site, he's had such an overwhelming response that he's been offered a book deal, his ladies have been featured on television in the US, and he's working on a film. I caught up with him to find out a little more about his passion project.

Zac: Growing up, did you have an elderly friends or family that you looked up to?
Ari: I was best friends with my grandmother Bluma and many of her friends. Bluma and I would draw together, watch old movies and cartoons, and frequent the local library. Bluma was a librarian. She was the sweetest, most intelligent, understanding woman and she made the best spaghetti. My other grandma Nana Helen was the fashion plate. She always had perfectly coiffed blonde hair, Escada suits, and great accessories. She even wore a suit and tie once.

What have you learnt from the people you feature on your blog?
I have learned to live the fullest and to appreciate what I have. 100-year-old Ruth, who does Pilates once a week, inspired me when she said, "Celebrate everyday and don't look at the calendar."

Do you think that the people you shoot feel forgotten or lonely, or is that a stereotype? Are they just happy doing their own thing?
Well, the ladies I feature are very happy. They are independent, some have families, some don't. They have all definitely become more comfortable with themselves and confident with time.

Do you remain friends and stay in touch with the people you shoot? Do you ever go on road trips or out for drinks or anything a little unexpected with them?
Oh yes, I see many of them weekly. 91-year-old Ilona Royce Smithkin and I go out to parties all the time. We went to a party for Dita Von Teese not too long ago. It's a priveledge to be able to spend time with them.

Which are amongst the most amazing and touching stories that you've been told by the people you meet through your blog?
There were two sisters who had spent their whole lives thinking about fashion. Their father taught them how to sew and they worked for many years in the fashion industry. They were delighted when I came across them and couldn't wait to tell me all the people they had met and worked with. They live above each other in neighboring apartments and make all their own clothes. I also think it's a pretty great story that Ruth goes to Pilates and lifts weights everyday.

Do you have a favourite lady? If that's too hard, who's the funniest and what's so funny about them?
Well Ilona always has the best jokes. They are a bit racy and pack a punch.

What's the most surprising thing you've learned, or the most surprising person you've met, since starting your blog?
I've learned that aging is all about our state of mind. 

Has anyone ever refused to have their photograph taken? What's the most awkward scenario that's happened when you've approached someone?
Of course — all the time. Well, sometimes when I mention that I shoot ladies 60 and above, someone gets offended because they are too young, but this happens very rarely. I have a good handle on age now.

What's the loveliest response you've had from someone that you've approached?
Many times after I am done photographing someone they will say, "You made my day." That is the reason I do what I do.

Lots of people don't want to grow old... How do you feel about it? (I personally cannot wait to have a fabulous old home with way too many cats, to spend my life drinking cups of tea with other old people, even though I know it's that's a bit of a cliche!) 
Not at all, that's a great idea. Well, I sometimes worry about getting older, but how can I with such great role models. They have so much freedom. 

Tell us a little about your new book — sell it!
Well, it's over 200 photos of the best dressed, most amazing older ladies. There is a bit of life and style wisdom, great accessories and inspiration to live life to the fullest. There is also a great interview between Dita Von Teese and Ilona Royce Smithkin. The book can be preordered on Amazon.

What have you got planned next?
I have to finish up the Advanced Style Film with Lina Plioplyte, plan some great parties, travel and take Advanced Style photos and some other great projects...

Who is/was the ultimate in Advanced Style, dead or alive, unknown or famous?
Well, she's not that old, but I do love Anna Piaggi.

Read more from Zac on his blog, zacbayly.blogspot.com.