How do I operate 2 versions of OSX on mac-mini?

Hello!
I have a 2013 Mac Mini
2.3 Ghz i7
16 gb ram
256 Samsung EVO Pro SSD
1Tb 5400 internal secondary drive
Available - Thunderbolt to 500 Gb 5400 SATA drive.
I use iWork '09 because of the incredible "dumb-down" of these programs with the newest release. Therefore I use OSX 10.8.5 in order to run them. These are the main programs I use for my business.
Unfortunately I am now running into issues with software programs that are not going to play with 10.8 anymore.
Can I: Install the latest OSX as my main operating system and then install 10.8.5 along with iWork '09 onto another Hard drive and then switch between the two as needed?
If so:
1) Would you put the 10.8 onto the Thunderbolt connected hard drive or onto the internal secondary drive?
2) How, exactly, do I operate and switch between the two?
3) If I produce Pages or Keynote data on the 10.8 can I open them with the newest OSX?
4) Will I be able to safely and easily move files between the two OSX's?
Thank you everyone for any assistance you can provide.

1) Would you put the 10.8 onto the Thunderbolt connected hard drive or onto the internal secondary drive?
Either one is fine. An internal drive wool be a little faster
2) How, exactly, do I operate and switch between the two?
You boot using the Option key and select which startup disk to use to boot the Mac
3) If I produce Pages or Keynote data on the 10.8 can I open them with the newest OSX?
Yes, you can open them but if modify them and them save them on the newer version the older version will not be able to open them.
4) Will I be able to safely and easily move files between the two OSX's?
See #3 above.

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How do I operate 2 versions of OSX on mac-mini?

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