In Tokyo, 89-year-old Tomiji Suzuki of Japan has embraced a second career in coding during retirement, crafting apps tailored to the needs of the rapidly expanding elderly population. Leveraging ChatGPT for skill refinement, Suzuki has already produced 11 complimentary iPhone applications, with his latest innovation being a helpful slideshow outlining essential items to remember before leaving home, such as wallets, hearing aids, and medical cards.
Inspiration for his latest creation, which features his granddaughter’s voice, struck when Suzuki himself nearly boarded a bullet train without his dentures. Amused by the common mishaps of aging, Suzuki believes his age offers unique insights into the requirements and expectations of the elderly, asserting that younger generations often struggle to grasp these nuances.
With nearly a third of Japan’s populace aged 65 and above, Suzuki’s technological contributions cater to a demographic demographic shift, striving to address concerns stemming from a declining birth rate and an aging workforce. Transitioning from a career in trading, Suzuki’s late-in-life fascination with computing led him to pursue programming courses in the early 2010s, driven by a passion for creation.
Suzuki’s recent endeavor, “Outing Prep Voice Slide Show,” launched in April, benefitted from the guidance of ChatGPT, which he affectionately labels as a “great teacher.” Suzuki’s interactions with the AI have been so impactful that he’s authored a book detailing his experience using it as a programming mentor.
Reflecting on his previous career experiences, Suzuki draws parallels between his former role in car exports and his current coding pursuits, highlighting the importance of clear and concise communication. Despite minimal marketing efforts, Suzuki’s apps have found an audience, with “Pee Count Record” proving particularly popular among users seeking to track urinary habits post-surgery.
Suzuki’s older brother Kinji, 92, attests to the practicality of his sibling’s creations, noting the convenience of “Voice Input Assist” for elderly users daunted by traditional typing methods. Meanwhile, Etsunobu Onuki, 75, a hearing aid shop owner, has embraced Suzuki’s “A-I-U-Be Exercise” app, utilizing it during daily routines to strengthen mouth muscles.
As a member of the Senior Programming Network (SPN), Suzuki is part of a larger movement advocating for the integration of AI tools into elderly-focused applications. SPN’s founder, Katsushiro Koizumi, envisions a future where seniors seamlessly interact with technology through natural language, bypassing the physical constraints of traditional interfaces.
Encouraging others to explore the world of app development post-retirement, Suzuki believes that despite the initial challenges, the journey is ultimately rewarding. For those seeking purpose in their later years, Suzuki offers a compelling invitation to discover untapped potential in the digital realm.