Inspiring Seniors: How Masako Wakamiya Became a Game Developer
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Chapter 1: A New Beginning at 81
Imagine if your golden years brought more joy than your childhood. Following retirement, many individuals find themselves discovering new interests, forming clubs, and honing fresh skills.
If you believe that aging equates to stagnation, let’s introduce you to Masako Wakamiya, an inspiring 84-year-old app developer from Japan. She serves as a beacon of motivation not just for the younger generation but also for her peers.
Masako Wakamiya's Journey into Technology
Masako identifies as a digital creator and an advocate for technology. With a background in banking, she has always enjoyed socializing and engaging with others. However, as she neared the mandatory retirement age of 60, her circumstances changed. She took on the responsibility of caring for her mother, which limited her ability to socialize and resulted in her becoming homebound. Until then, she had never used a computer.
Her journey began with a magazine article that sparked her curiosity about the digital realm. At 58, she purchased her first computer and taught herself how to use it, allowing her to connect with fellow seniors online.
Early Embracement of Smartphones
Many older adults express frustration about technology, often viewing themselves as incapable of keeping pace with advancements. However, Masako embraced smartphones early on, finding joy in exploring new gadgets.
Upon discovering a lack of engaging apps for seniors, she took the initiative to create a game tailored to this demographic. Despite facing skepticism from developers, who doubted they could design something that would appeal to older users, Masako decided to forge her own path. At the age of 81, she learned to code and developed an application called "Hinadan," inspired by Japan’s 1,000-year-old doll festival. The app became a hit, amassing over 100,000 downloads and receiving coverage from major news outlets.
Her remarkable achievement even led to an invitation to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, where she met Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, who praised her inspiring journey.
Masako Wakamiya's Mission
Masako is on a mission to bridge the gap between older adults and technology, encouraging them to stay connected and engaged with life. She believes that innovation can empower individuals, and she passionately shares her knowledge through seminars for seniors and developers globally. While her body may be aging, her spirit remains youthful.
Chapter 2: It’s Never Too Late to Learn
In the video "After Learning to Code at 81, She Made a Game for Fellow Seniors," discover how Masako transformed her life through coding and app development.
The second video, "Interview with Japan's Masako Wakamiya, an 82-year-old computer programmer," provides an in-depth look at her inspiring journey as a senior programmer.
A Common Concern: Age and Learning
It’s not uncommon for individuals in their 30s and 40s to doubt their ability to learn new skills, particularly coding. Many worry that age will hinder their chances of career advancement.
However, if Masako had let her age deter her from pursuing coding, she would never have created a game enjoyed by countless users. She has shown that it’s never too late to embark on a new journey of learning.
If you’re contemplating starting your programming journey in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s, now is the time. Remember, your age is just a number; what truly matters are your skills and experiences.
Opportunities Await
Numerous companies are eager to hire skilled developers, regardless of age. What they seek is talent and expertise, not a specific age range.
Delaying your learning means losing out on the skills you could have gained in a year. While younger individuals may possess more energy, remember that your life experiences can give you an edge in the tech industry.
Who knows? You might be the next Masako Wakamiya, inspiring others and creating an app that touches millions. Your journey starts with believing in your past and taking the first step toward learning.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour. You don’t have to do it all today. Just lay a brick.” — James Clear