In a world increasingly driven by technology, the phrase “you’re never too old to learn” has taken on a new, inspiring dimension. As the digital age continues to evolve, more and more individuals are embracing the challenge of mastering new skills, regardless of their age. This sentiment is epitomised by one extraordinary individual: an 89-year-old Japanese retiree who has turned the golden years of his life into a remarkable journey of coding and app development. Defying traditional notions of retirement, he has not only embraced the complex world of programming but is also using ChatGPT to improve his skills.
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At 89, Tomiji Suzuki embraced coding in retirement and is now creating apps for the rapidly expanding elderly demographic, using ChatGPT to enhance his skills, reports AFP.
So far, Suzuki has developed 11 free iPhone apps to assist Japan’s ageing population. His latest creation is a slideshow of items to remember when leaving the house, including a wallet, hearing aids and patient registration cards.
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He was inspired to create the app, which features his granddaughter’s voice, after realising he had forgotten his dentures just before boarding a bullet train. “These kinds of things happen to the elderly,” he laughed, telling AFP that his age has proved advantageous when brainstorming ideas for the programs.
“No matter how hard they try, I don’t think younger people understand the elderly’s needs and expectations,” he said.
Suzuki’s professional background was in a trading house, but his interest in computing blossomed later in life. In the early 2010s, he enrolled in a programming course to pursue his newfound passion.
“When I discovered I could develop apps myself — and if I do, Apple will market them worldwide, just like that — it felt like a great idea,” he said.
To develop the app “Outing Prep Voice Slide Show,” released in April, Suzuki consulted ChatGPT by asking approximately 1,000 coding-related questions. He hailed the generative AI chatbot as a “great teacher” and has gone so far as to publish a book on utilising it as a programming mentor.
“I’m lucky… If I’d passed away a year, or two years ago, I wouldn’t have encountered (ChatGPT),” he said.
Despite no marketing efforts, Suzuki’s most popular app, “Pee Count Record,” consistently receives 30 downloads per week, according to the report.
