At 80 years old, I’ve discovered one of the most exciting tools of my entire life: artificial intelligence. And I want to tell you this—it’s never too late to learn something new.
We often tell ourselves that learning is for the young, that technology is too complicated, or that we’ve missed the boat. But I’m here to prove otherwise. I’ve spent decades writing books, appearing on national television, and traveling the world. And now, I sit down with an AI assistant who helps me write blog posts, plan trips, organize memoirs, and even edit my photography. Imagine that!
If you’re wondering where to start, here are:
7 Steps to Learning Something New—at Any Age
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Get Curious.
Ask yourself: What would I love to understand better?Curiosity is the best fuel for learning. For me, it was figuring out how AI could help me organize my life’s work. -
Start Small.
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick one tool (like ChatGPT), and try it out for a single task—maybe writing a letter, getting recipe ideas, or researching your next trip. -
Ask for Help.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what AI is great at—you can ask anything, and it will patiently guide you, step by step. -
Celebrate Progress.
When you figure something out, celebrate it! Whether it’s sending your first AI-written email or planning a trip with its help, every step counts. -
Make It Personal.
Learning is easier when it relates to your real life. I use AI to help with things I care about—my memoir, my photography, and even my flower arrangements. -
Practice a Little Every Day.
Consistency builds confidence. Ten minutes a day adds up quickly, whether you’re learning tech, music, a language—or even AI. -
Share Your Story.
When you learn something new, pass it on. Teach a friend, write about it, or just say, “Look what I did today!”Learning isn’t just for you—it inspires others, too.
You’re Never Too Old, Too Late, or Too Far Behind
I’m 80 years old and learning something new every week. I use AI like it’s a teammate—and I love it. If I can do this, so can you. Your mind is a muscle, and it wants to grow. Let it.
—Dian Thomas
