Someone named Elaine, user name “Gagagma”, opens an issue on Zach Leatherman’s “Raging-Netflix-Queue” repo on GitHub, asking if the retired Chrome Extension is still available to be installed.
She explains that she had to do a system restore on her computer and the extension disappeared. Zach advises maybe she should try downloading it from the repo and installing it locally. She tried, but couldn’t figure it out. Zach’s response was:
“Well, hot damn, Elaine. I’m gonna try and fix this for you—only because you’re such a badass. Please stand by.”
He realized, however, that the extension doesn’t work anymore because of a Netflix incompatiblity. But why was Zach so excited to help her out? It turns out, Elaine is 81 years old!
As Zach pointed out on Twitter, she sets a sterling example, doing open-source right. How many 81-year olds do you know that have a GitHub account and can do a system restore?
I think it’s great. There are lots of seniors involved in technology and as a lot of designers and developers age, they will become more aware of the bias that exists towards older people and the perception that they are not relevant related to technology. I think this shows that just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a geek.
Ah well, George Bernard Shaw did say that “Youth is wasted on the young.” She (my contemporary) has simply had decades more experience than those who are so surprised.
There may be more of us senior citizens around than you think! (Not that my 62 years is close to 81 but that means I might be around here for another 20 years or so ).
Years ago, I wrote a program called CLIPWKS (to allow you to update spreadsheets from a Clipper application). Got a comment about an issue from a developer using the product. I found/fixed the issue and called the developer to let him know the fix was available. A lady answered the phone. The lady was his mom and the developer was 12 years old. I am not sure why a 12 year old was programming spreadsheets, but it was good for a chuckle.
I am 71 and have been doing computer design and programming since 1976. I am more computer savvy than 99% and if I make it to 81 I am sure I will still be computer savvy. There are plenty of older people who use and understand computer science, it is not just for the 15 year olds.
It shows we should never judge anyone by age or other characteristics. Content of character ftw!
(Not that my 62 years is close to 81 but that means I might be around here for another 20 years or so 
).