That gets a hearty amen from this corner! I'm an old guy (about to turn 70) but being able to push the bits around and have the computer at my command does keep me youthful. It's really great to be in absolute control of the computer as opposed to a user at the mercy of pre-packaged software.
It's not necessarily for everyone -- but in a way it's not too different from hunting and then cooking your own food instead of relying on a prepared meal.
By the way, the very first language I learned (when it was still quote new) was C from the original, pre-ANSI book by K&R, may the latter RIP.
First I learned Basic/machine language. Then 1 2 3 Logo, then started pascal then gave up.
I still have my original copy of K&R :-)
It does feel different now that Dennis Ritchie is gone :-(
Presently I'm writing some morse code software in C to run on the Tiny85 controller. It's fun writing code for a one dollar computer-on-a-chip like the Tiny85 ... and even though it's very limited compared to something like a desktop PC it's still many times more raw power than the old Apple2.
This is just a fun freeware hobby project.