A 78-Year-Old Retiree's AI Journey: Coding with Confidence After Work

A 78-Year-Old Tech Enthusiast Stays Ahead of the Curve with AI

At 78, Lewis Dickson is proving that age is just a number when it comes to technology. His passion for innovation and learning keeps him engaged and up-to-date with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). For Dickson, technology isn't just a career — it's a source of purpose and joy.

Dickson has spent decades immersed in the world of technology. He began his career at IBM in the late 1970s and later worked as a technology consultant for a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta from 2015 to 2024. Over the years, he has taught engineers and customers alike, sharing his knowledge and expertise.

Now in semi-retirement, Dickson still finds excitement in technology. When ChatGPT was introduced, he jumped on board immediately. About six to eight months ago, he became interested in vibe coding, a new trend in AI development. He researched and discovered Emergent, a platform that allowed him to work without needing to connect external systems or involve developers for backend tasks.

He started with simple projects and has since created a dozen or more vibe-coded apps. One of his recent projects involved an AED company that needed an app to access their existing camera provider’s website and extract data. Dickson built an app that could pull the data seamlessly. He also developed an AI voice app that allows users to check the AED status by asking a question through a web interface.

When he first demonstrated the app to the CEO, the reaction was enthusiastic. The CEO thought it was one of the coolest things he had ever seen.

Breaking Stereotypes: Older People Can Keep Up

Many people assume that older individuals are out of touch with modern technology. However, Dickson’s experience shows otherwise. He has always been passionate about technology, starting with ham radio at age 13, where he used Morse code on tubes, transmitters, and receivers. From there, he witnessed the evolution of phones, cellphones, and now AI.

Dickson believes that while many young people today focus on software, they often lack knowledge of hardware. His broad background gives him a unique perspective. He acknowledges that some may think older people have outdated skills, but he insists that this isn’t always true. In fact, many seniors can move just as fast as younger professionals when it comes to adopting new technologies.

His experience allows him to apply AI strategically, not just technically. While others may see retirement as a loss of purpose, Dickson has never felt that way. He continues to learn and stay engaged with AI, constantly using his laptop and phone to explore new developments.

Teaching Seniors About AI

In addition to his own pursuits, Dickson now teaches AI to seniors in assisted living centers. His classes cover topics like data centers and the inner workings of AI. One of his students, a 100-year-old woman named Sue, asked a question that surprised him: “What’s a semiconductor?”

Dickson explained the concept at a high level, and Sue listened intently, taking notes. After the class, he decided to create a video that traced the evolution of technology, from vacuum tubes in the 1920s and 1930s to transistors in the 1940s and 1950s. This helped the seniors connect with the material on a personal level.

The seniors he teaches have become proficient enough to take over their internal resident newsletter. They use AI to write articles and generate images for the publication. They also use AI for everyday tasks such as shopping, researching items, and finding bargains.

Dickson has shown them how to identify plants and birds using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. They take pictures of plants in their gardens and ask questions, receiving helpful responses.

Embracing the Future

Dickson’s story highlights the importance of staying curious and open to learning throughout life. Whether it's creating AI apps, teaching seniors, or simply keeping up with the latest trends, he proves that technology is for everyone — regardless of age.