Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan

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Starting to use the computer at age 60, Ms. Masako Wakamiya has now become the world's oldest programmer.

For many people, retirement is a slow and relaxing time. But for Ms. Masako Wakamiya is a time of acceleration and discovery when entering the world of computers, Internet and Excel. She is now the oldest app developer and inspirational person in TEDx's successful conversation.

Although home schooling, 82-year-old female programmer Masako Wakamiya has successfully developed a smartphone application for the elderly.

Masako Wakamiya is one of the oldest developers in the world, living proof that age is not a barrier to technology and code. She said getting used to computers began to become simpler because it was her hobby.

This inspired Wakamiya to create his own application after noticing the shortage of applications for the elderly.

After more than 20 years of learning how to use computers, Ms. Masako Wakamiya still diligently learns and advances every day.

Masako Wakamiya said: ' There are a lot of people pursuing anti-aging measures but birth and death are an inevitable part of life. To use energy into that, I would rather pursue things that I can discover when I get older. I feel that everything will be better if you nurture and enrich your mind and soul instead of your appearance . '

Masako Wakamiya was invited to speak at the UN last year. Wakamiya also participated in Apple's Global Development Conference last year and was introduced by Apple chief executive Tim Cook as the oldest developer at the event.

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 1 CEO of Apple and Masako Wakamiya.

This shows that Ms. Wakamiya (who regularly writes in Japanese and English with the help of Google Translate ) has achieved many memorable milestones during her career as a programmer. Besides, she also actively participated in conferences whenever possible.

Ms. Wakamiya's Hinadan application is a game in which users have to decorate and arrange a series of dolls for Hinamatsuri, a traditional doll festival held in Japan. This app helps improve memory by asking players to place Hina dolls properly.

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 2 Masako Wakamiya's Hinadan application.

When he was 18 years old, he left high school, Wakamiya asked to work in the bank as a secretary until she was 60 years old when she officially retired.

Although she doesn't know anything about computers, Wakamiya still buys a laptop to make friends and communicate online. However, Wakamiya takes up to 3 months to learn how to use it.

Ms. Wakamiya said: ' I am happy to retire because I will have more time for myself. I joined an online club for the elderly called Mellow Club. That's when my world started to expand. We entered the Internet era and my interest also began to grow. It makes me feel happy. "

One of the things Wakamiya learned is an Excel spreadsheet application. As a master, she moved from student to teacher, instructing other seniors to use computers and software.

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 3

However, her efforts face many barriers such as many "dislike" Excel elderly people. To make it more user-friendly, Wakamiya ponders how to start using programming to create artwork as well as teach his friends.

Ms. Wakamiya said: ' Unlike writing financial statements . Excel art is an art form, so it feels very excited. When someone could create what they imagined, they told me: 'Sensei (teacher), I did it!'. Their expression was always filled with happiness. '

Later, Ms. Wakamiya asked software developers to create more games for the elderly but always get answers with no responsibility.

' There are very few applications that seniors can use, especially game applications ,' she said.

' (When I am) asking young people to do it is not always ready. Then they told me: Why didn't I try it myself? "she added.

Without surrendering to the challenge, Ms. Wakamiya bought books on programming and consulted a programmer who lived in the town 300km away via Facebook Messenger and Skype.

Since the launch of Hinadan application last year, it has about a million views worldwide, with 53,000 downloads. ' I don't think so many people are interested in my childish application so much, ' she told the media.

' I also met people from Apple Japan and perhaps a month later they invited me to the United States (Mr. Cook's invitation) . He graciously told me that he was very impressed with me . '

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 4

When Ms. Wakamiya returned from Silicon Valley, many reporters visited her home and interviewed her. A publisher even asked Wakamiya if she could write a book. As such, Wakamiya has become the author of ' Your Life Gets More Interesting When You Hit 60 ' (roughly translating: 'Your life will become more interesting when you reach 60 years old').

Ms. Wakamiya said: ' Thanks to the Internet, the world has become smaller. And now, let the whole world know that I have done things that were previously thought to be impossible (in the past) . "

It's never too late!

The photographer Hitoshi Iwakiri was very excited to have the opportunity to meet the world's oldest female programmer.

' I think she is a great person. I was really inspired by the spirit of always trying new things at that age. She is a creator and pioneer of new things, 'said photographer Hitoshi Iwakiri.

Working with the topic 'It's never too late!' For the Super Octogenarian program, photographer Hitoshi Iwakiri captured Wakamiya's adventure spirit through daily expressions and activities.

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 5 Photography Hitoshi Iwakiri and Mrs. Wakamiya.

The thought of removing wrinkles or making yourself 'better' never flashed in Ms. Wakamiya's mind.

Hitoshi Iwakiri describes: ' The wrinkles of old people look like dark mountains, depending on the light. But it reflects their lives up to now . '

For photographer Hitoshi Iwakiri, female programmer Wakamiya does not describe her life through her appearance but ' what Wakamiya wants to do . and her talent '.

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 6

Ms. Wakamiya's happiness comes from knowing that others see their application useful and using it - that's why an English version is being developed.

' Seniors have never touched smartphones but they have started to use and appreciate the app. This makes me feel very happy, " she said.

' For those who feel that aging is not a good thing, I want to tell them all the great things will come when they get old .'

Meet the 82-year-old female programmer in Japan Picture 7

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