What I want to share as someone who started working with AI in my 60s
Hello.
I am Sayuri Mitani, an AI instructor and generative AI consultant, also known as Sayucchi.
After turning 60, I began learning AI in earnest and started on the path to making it my profession.
Now, I use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and image generation AI to conduct workshops for AI beginners and provide support for those looking to incorporate AI into their work and content creation.
However, I wasn't confident from the very beginning.
In fact, at first, I felt:
“Can I really do this?”
“Aren't younger people better at this?”
“Isn't it too late to start now?”
I had those kinds of anxieties.
Even so, there is one thing I am certain of now.
AI is a tool that expands the possibilities of your life and work, regardless of your age.
Today, I would like to write about what I want to share as someone who started working with AI in my 60s.
1. It's okay if you aren't good at it from the start
I think many people feel that AI sounds difficult when they hear the term.
It seems like you need specialized knowledge.
It seems impossible if you don't know English.
It looks like something only people who are good with computers can use.
But when you actually try using it, AI is much more accessible than I had imagined.
Consulting with ChatGPT about writing.
Creating post images with Canva.
Giving shape to ideas with image generation AI.
Asking AI about things you don't understand.
The first step is enough with just that.
I myself wasn't able to use it perfectly right away.
I tried many times, failed, asked again, and gradually got used to it.
AI is not just for those who can do it from the start.
It can also become a partnerto help those who don't understand learn how to.
2. Don't just stop at learning AI
What I value is not just remembering how to use AI.
Of course, it is important to know how to use ChatGPT, Canva, and AI image generation tools.
However, I feel it is a bit of a waste if you stop there.
What is important is
how to use AI to enhance your own work and communication
.
For example,
Someone who struggled with writing can now use AI to write posts. Someone who spent too much time on design can now create images with Canva and AI. Someone can organize their experience to create courses or consultation services. Someone can incorporate AI into local work or small businesses.
AI is not just a convenient tool.
It becomes a catalyst for reshaping the experience and strengths that a person already possesses.
3. There are things that can only be conveyed because I am in my 60s
The world of AI changes very quickly.
New tools appear, and things that were impossible yesterday suddenly become possible.
Hearing that might make some people feel anxious.
But I believe there are things that can only be conveyed because I am in my 60s.
I cannot do things as smoothly from the start as young people can. That is precisely why I know where people stumble. I know where they feel anxious. I know what kind of explanation makes them feel at ease.
For those who are not good with AI, what is needed is not difficult technical jargon.
"It's okay if you just press here." "It's fine to start with this method first." "You don't have to memorize it perfectly; you'll get used to it as you use it."
I believe these are the kinds of words that allow people to take a step forward with peace of mind.
What I value as an AI instructor is
not showing off amazing technology, but helping the person in front of me think, 'I can do this too'.
4. Age is no reason not to take on a challenge
Starting something new in your 60s is not easy.
There is a lot to learn.
There is also anxiety.
There are times when you feel down comparing yourself to others.
But I believe this.
Age is no reason not to take on a challenge.
In fact, it is precisely because you have life experience that your use of AI can have depth.
The experience of raising children.
The experience cultivated through work.
Interactions with people.
Community activities.
Things you continued while struggling.
Things you once gave up on.
Things you still wanted to start again.
Each of these things has the potential to take shape using AI.
AI is not just for young people.
It becomes a new tool for those who want to change jobs, those who want to share their voice, and those who want to make the most of their experience.
5. AI becomes an ally in creating work that is uniquely yours
The theme I am working on now is,
Creating my own work with AI
that is what it is.
Instead of imitating someone else,
organizing your own experiences and strengths,
and finding a form of work that suits you while using AI.
I believe this is a very important way of thinking for people in their 50s and 60s as well.
“I don't know what I can do.”
“I don't have any special skills.”
“Even if I learn AI, I don't know how to turn it into work.”
If you feel that way, please start by organizing who you are right now.
What have you done until now?
What have you done that made people happy?
What kind of tasks can you keep doing?
What kind of people do you want to help?
What would become a little easier if you used AI?
Once you can see these things, the way you use AI will also change.
6. What I want to convey
What I want to share most right now, as someone who started working with AI in my 60s.
It is this:
It is not too late to start now
—that is what I want to say.
Age has nothing to do with starting to use AI.
It is okay if you don't understand it at first.
It is okay if you feel intimidated.
It is okay to take it one step at a time.
The important thing is not to wait until you understand it perfectly before you begin.
Just try touching it first.
Try it out on a small scale.
Ask about things you don't understand.
Think about how you can use it in your daily life or work.
Those small steps will lead to future work.
Finally,
I will continue to deliver tips to AI beginners on how to utilize tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and image generation AI for work and content creation.
I will continue to deliver tips to AI beginners on how to utilize tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and image generation AI for work and content creation.
Don't just stop at learning AI;
move toward creating work that suits you.
You can take on the challenge at any age.
And you don't have to worry alone.
Let's find out what we can do with AI together.
P.S.
For those who think, 'I'm learning AI, but I don't know how to connect it to work,'
'I want to organize what I can do,'
or 'I want to think about the first step to using AI for work or content creation,'
I also offer free consultations for those people.
Let's start together by organizing your current situation first.
▼ Click here to apply for a free consultation