I'd probably ask the same thing I do of everyone who asks for career advice: "What kind of problems do you want to work on?" Similarly, I'd ask: "Imagine you are getting ready to retire... What do you hope to have achieved? What does your CV look like at that point?" IE: begin with the endgame in mind.

This might get them to reflect on whether software is where they want to spend their energy and time. If so, then great, figure out how to get them pointed in the right direction. But, if they realize they are mostly interested in software because they've heard stories about sweet money and fame, maybe it isn't the best choice for them.