👵🏼 It’s Never Too Late to Learn: Meet “The World’s Oldest Developer”
Tags: motivation, beginners, developers, codenewbie
Published: 2023-11-09 13:00:00

## An inspirational story with coding life lessons…

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One question that comes up time and time again for new learners when it comes to programming is: _is it too late to learn how to code?_

The answer of course is **hell no**!

Want some proof?

Well, today I want to share an amazing and inspiring story of “The World’s oldest developer”, Masako Wakamiya.


![Masako Wakamiya](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0imlqcvavjrim3k8jyqi.jpeg)

Masako Wakamiya's remarkable journey shows that it is truly never too late to learn something new.

When Wakamiya retired from her banking career at age 60, she dove headfirst into the digital world by getting her first computer.

Rather than just using standard software, she wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible. Teaching herself Excel, she discovered a passion for digital art and creative expression.

Wakamiya redefined the capabilities of Microsoft Excel by using it to create 'Excel art,' turning spreadsheet cells into vibrant images and patterns for clothing, showcasing a blend of technology and creativity.


![Masako's Excel art prints](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/k9ryxnt225d1vcoy9wf8.jpg)

But Wakamiya did not stop there. At **age 81**, noticing a lack of games designed for seniors like herself, she decided to learn how to develop her own apps!

This led to the creation of [Hinadan](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hinadan/id1199778491), the first of her games tailored specifically for older adults.

Her perseverance paid off with recognition as one of the world's oldest app developers - a title [given by](https://japan-forward.com/interview-masako-wakamiya-the-oldest-app-developer-in-the-world/) Apple’s very own CEO, Tim Cook himself.

Now at 88, Wakamiya continues to inspire as an evangelist for technology adoption among seniors in Japan. She travels extensively, encouraging older adults to enrich their lives through digital engagement.

Wakamiya's story carries an important message about staying curious and open to new challenges, no matter your age.

It reminds us that creativity has **no expiration date**.

She embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and a passion for spreading knowledge.

Wakamiya also champions the need for workplaces and society to be more inclusive of older generations.

## What can we learn from Masako?

Masako's remarkable journey is proof that it's truly never too late to pick up new skills and pursue your passions.

She embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and shows us that [creativity](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/how-to-build-things-people-want-to-use-4g5n) knows no age limits.

Here’s what Masako’s story teaches us:

### Keep Learning, No Matter Your Age 📖

Masako's story highlights the importance of lifelong learning. Even after retirement, she continuously sought out new skills and knowledge.

Getting her first computer at 60 opened up digital art, and learning to code at 81 let her make apps tailored for seniors.

Her journey shows that it's never too late to explore something new, especially technology.

With an open and curious mindset, the possibilities are endless at any age.

Masako proves that creativity has no expiration date - we just need the passion and drive to keep learning.

### Passion and Perseverance Pay Off 🚀

When Masako decided to learn coding at 81, she was a complete beginner. But she didn't let her lack of experience stop her from pursuing her passion.

Through dedication and perseverance, she gained new skills and created her first app.

Masako shows that age is no barrier if you have the drive to keep learning.

Her story teaches new developers that passion and perseverance can help you achieve any goal, no matter where you are starting from. If you are determined to code, you can!

### Coding Opens Up Creativity 🖼

By learning to code, Masako found a great outlet for innovation and self-expression.

Coding let her turn life experiences into interactive games for her peers.

It's about problem-solving and storytelling, not just writing code.

With apps like Hinadan, she brought her culture to life in a whole new way.

### Turn Life Experiences into Innovations 🎎

One reason Masako created such a relevant app for seniors is that she drew directly from her own experiences.

As an older adult herself, she understood the needs and interests of her peers. For new developers, Masako's approach demonstrates the power of designing solutions based on real-life insights.

Think about your unique background and how it can inform more creative, meaningful work.

Use coding to turn your experiences into innovations that truly connect with end users.

### Design for Accessibility 🪜

Masako's work also teaches us that tech products need to be accessible and easy to use, especially for seniors.

App developers can learn from her by making intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and bigger text.

Adding voice commands and senior-friendly menus improves the experience too.

Getting feedback from older adults during development helps create innovations they’ll truly enjoy.

### Stay Curious, Keep Growing 🌱

Even at 88 years old, Masako continues to learn and advocate technology for seniors.

Her endless curiosity and [growth mindset](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/youre-better-at-coding-than-you-think-you-are-1gd) are an inspiration. As a developer, the learning never stops.

There are always new languages, frameworks, and innovations to explore in this fast-moving field.

Masako shows the importance of embracing a beginner's mindset throughout your career.

Never stop being curious, and always look for opportunities to expand your skills - like Masako, you can keep coding and creating into your 80s and beyond!

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Masako inspires us to embrace technology and make it inclusive for all.

Her story shows the human spirit can thrive and stay creative at any age!

## Conclusion

Masako Wakamiya shows that age doesn't have to stop you from going after what you love.

Her creativity, determination, and lifelong learning spirit in taking up coding in her later years continue to motivate and inspire.

For anyone wondering if it's "too late" to learn something new, Masako's story gives a clear answer: No, it's never too late.

It's never too late to try new things or explore your potential. With dedication and openness to grow, you can do amazing things at any age.

Masako shows that life experience can help build meaningful innovations that make an impact. Her apps connected older adults and changed views that tech is just for the young.

So when [self-doubt](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/im-always-frustrated-but-heres-why-i-wont-give-up-1d3e) creeps in about trying something new later on, remember Masako.

Let her fearless creativity and learning new skills in her 80s spark your inner drive.

Like Masako still creates today, we can all take on her lifelong approach: stay curious, keep growing, and never stop chasing dreams!

From your fellow ever-growing dev,

Cherlock Code

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