Japan Man, 89, Uses ChatGPT As "Mentor" To Create Apps For Elderly
Tomiji Suzuki, an 89-year-old Japanese man, embarked on a coding journey in his retirement years. Today, he is actively developing apps catered to the rapidly growing elderly demographic in Japan. Leveraging ChatGPT to refine his programming skills, Suzuki has successfully created 11 free iPhone applications designed to assist the aging population in various aspects of their daily lives.
Innovative App Development for the Elderly
One of Suzuki's recent creations includes a helpful slideshow app that reminds users of essential items to carry when leaving home, such as wallets, hearing aids, and patient registration cards. The inspiration for this app struck him when he almost forgot his dentures before boarding a bullet train. This incident highlighted to him the common challenges faced by the elderly.
Reflecting on his age as an advantage, Suzuki expressed how his experiences and insights uniquely position him to address the needs and expectations of the elderly population. With nearly a third of Japan's residents aged 65 and above, Suzuki's apps are tailored to support this demographic within the context of the country's aging society.
Utilizing ChatGPT for App Development
Suzuki's journey into app development was greatly enhanced by leveraging ChatGPT as a virtual mentor. By posing approximately 1,000 coding-related questions to this AI chatbot, Suzuki honed his skills and received valuable guidance throughout the development process. He even documented his learnings in a published book, emphasizing the significant role that ChatGPT played in his programming endeavors.
Empowering the Elderly Through Technology
One of Suzuki's popular applications, "Pee Count Record," enables users to track their daily urinary frequency. Despite minimal marketing efforts, the app garners 30 downloads per week, illustrating the relevance and utility of such innovations in the elderly community. Suzuki's commitment to addressing practical needs is further demonstrated through apps like "Voice Input Assist," aimed at facilitating easier communication for seniors.
Encouraging Elderly App Development
Suzuki's dedication to app development has not only benefited his personal growth but has also positively impacted the elderly individuals who interact with his creations. Encouraging others to explore the world of technology post-retirement, Suzuki highlights the fulfillment and joy that can be found in discovering new skills and passions.
Through his involvement in the Senior Programming Network (SPN), Suzuki collaborates with like-minded individuals who share his enthusiasm for technology and its potential to empower seniors. By advocating for the integration of AI tools in app development, Suzuki and his peers are paving the way for a more accessible and user-friendly tech landscape for the elderly.
As the world continues to advance technologically, stories like Suzuki's serve as an inspiration for individuals of all ages to embrace innovation and embark on new learning journeys, no matter the stage of life.
