Why not both? I'm in my mid-50s. I enjoy writing a simple utility function by hand. I care about craft and form. But, I also care about increased productivity

Why not both? I'm in my mid-50s. I enjoy writing a simple utility function by hand. I care about craft and form. But, I also care about increased productivity, exploring new technologies, and the wonders of AI. Being into one doesn't negate the other. I believe this says more about the tendency for our minds to close off to new ideas and stimulus as we get older. There's a reason that most people's "ideal era" is in their high school years. I urge you to foster more resilience and adaptability and shun the traps of "back in my day-ism".