My son taught me AI coding at 73. I was scared to hit 'enter' — now I feel free.

In an inspiring tale from Texas, Carol Merlo, a 73-year-old entrepreneurship coach, has embraced the world of AI coding thanks to her son, Kevin Masterson, who is 41 and works as an AI mentor. Their journey together showcases the power of technology and learning across generations. Initially, Carol used AI tools like ChatGPT for personal tasks, such as seeking advice on supplements or gardening. Kevin humorously recalls how she revived a plant with AI assistance. Carol appreciates ChatGPT for its conversational style, which suits her needs better than traditional interfaces. Meanwhile, her husband uses a different AI tool, Gemini, although she remains unsure of its benefits. Kevin, who has been deeply involved in coding for about a year, decided to pass on his knowledge to his mother when she expressed a desire to create her own website without relying on platforms like Weebly. He offered to guide her through the process, emphasizing a hands-on approach. Carol, who has experience with various website builders, found the escalating costs of her existing service frustrating, prompting her to seek Kevin's help. Their learning sessions were a blend of structure and interaction, as Kevin provided guidance while Carol navigated the coding landscape. She found the shift from drag-and-drop builders to text-based coding challenging but rewarding. Despite her initial hesitations and lack of familiarity with technical jargon, Carol's determination to learn was evident. Kevin noted that addressing her questions was crucial, as even a brief explanation could save her hours of confusion. Carol created detailed notes to help her understand the new terminology and processes, overcoming her fear of making mistakes. Kevin reassured her that she could experiment without consequences, which proved to be a significant confidence booster. Their collaboration evolved to include email exchanges and video calls, fostering a deeper understanding of AI coding. Carol now realizes that her only limit is her imagination, not her knowledge. She has transitioned to a more affordable platform that utilizes Claude Code, allowing her to refine her website without the fear of hidden costs. While her website is still basic, Carol is actively enhancing it, drawing on her past experiences to create a more engaging online presence. This journey not only showcases the potential of learning new skills at any age but also highlights the invaluable bond between mother and son as they navigate the digital landscape together.