I'm Too Old to Learn to Code, Right?

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but is that really true? You could learn an instrument, a language and a lot more about at any age, so what about coding?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that coding is a young person’s game. In fact, they even make coding games for young people. But that doesn’t mean that your ability to code diminishes after the age of 30.

So if a lot of coding education is aimed at young people, how can you learn this mysterious art? Here’s your guide to getting started with coding, no matter what your age.

Why even bother learning to code?

There are a lot of good reasons to learn to code as you get older, so take your pick of the best ones to convince you to go ahead:

• If you’re looking for a career change to the tech industry, coding can give you a step up.
• If your kids are learning to code, learning yourself can help them and give you something to bond over.
• Coding is the gateway to many side hustles. If you’re looking to make some extra money, coding could be the key to that extra income.
• Learning something new keeps your brain active.
• Teaching yourself something new can be a lot of fun, what better reason is there than that?

Firstly, ignore the stereotypes

It’s easy to be turned off at the thought of coding because you’re not an 8-year-old genius, like Seth Yee.

But coders are made up of people of all ages and abilities. While your research might lead you to a lot of stories of child prodigies and teenage tech entrepreneurs, there are other types of coders out there.

Get inspired by fellow older coders

Instead of feeling defeated by the stories of younger, accomplished coders, feel inspired by those who learned a little older. The New York Times published a great article on people who learned to code in their 60s, 70s and 80s. Reading these stories can give you a boost, especially if you feel close to giving up.

One of the best ways to feel inspired about coding is to connect with fellow codes. There are coding communities for all kinds of coders, so why not join one and find your people?

Learning to code

Now here comes the hard part - the learning. It might take some time, and some patience, but you can get there if you really want to learn. Some great tips for learning to code include:

Set out the time to learn

If you’re serious about learning to code, you need to make the time for it. Schedule some time each week to help you commit to it. This could be on the weekend, during your work commute, or when you’ve got some time for yourself in the morning.

Get support from a platform

The great thing about coding is that there is a tonne of support to help you. Platforms like CodeAcademy can help you master coding from beginner level to advanced. It teaches different programming languages, helping you get to where you want to be. It also features a free basic plan you can sign up for while you dip your toes in.

Create a project for yourself

One of the best ways to learn something new is to set a goal for yourself. A project you can own and work towards will help you stay motivated and give you a reason to keep learning.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Coding can be difficult, especially if you’re a complete beginner. Which is why there’s no shame in asking for some help if you need it. If you’re finding it tough, don’t give up - someone will have the answer and will be more than happy to help you work through it.

Immerse yourself in the coding world

When you learn a new language, they say that the best way to do it is to immerse yourself in it. So why not try the immersion technique with coding? You can really help yourself by reading coding books and blogs, watching videos and listening to podcasts. There are a wealth of outlets that discuss nothing but coding, so you’re sure to find something that captures your interest.

Don’t give up

When the going gets tough, that doesn’t mean you give up. Coding comes with a lot of challenges, but if there’s something you’re struggling with, there is sure to be someone else who’s had the same experience. Instead of giving up when you hit a hurdle, look for a solution. Regroup and try something else, you’ll get the hang of it.

Be realistic about your expectations. If you work a full-time job and you’ve also got a family and other responsibilities, things may take a little longer than for someone who has a lot of free time and fewer commitments. Everyone learns at a different pace, and that’s ok.

Where will it take you?

When you get to a place where you feel confident with coding, look at where it could take you next. It may just be a hobby, or it could be something that leads to an exciting change of career. There are a lot of possibilities, and cracking the art of coding could lead you through some exciting new doors.

So if you think you’re too old for coding, think again. Start making a plan and get ready to learn to code, no matter what your age is.