My experience with older programmers is they are generally a bit slower. However they typically bring to the table something much more valuable. Everything th

My experience with older programmers is they are generally a bit slower. However they typically bring to the table something much more valuable. Everything that's new, has been done before... and they've seen it done before. They know the pitfalls, they also know the shortcuts. Many of them are hesitant of adopting new technology, but when they do, it's usually bringing something significant to the table. In my opinion, if you can get one of these old guys on your team, your team is going to be better off. That said, the crotchetiness is almost always on the higher end. Of course, it's not a rule. I also once worked with an older guy who was one of the nicest guys I've worked with... but I wouldn't let him come within 10 feet of my repo.