In terms of "where do they go?", I would think that a reasonable amount of "older" programmers move into management or other more strategic positions in the pro

In terms of "where do they go?", I would think that a reasonable amount of "older" programmers move into management or other more strategic positions in the production chain, where they are not actually doing any of the coding, but are still working on software projects. I'm in my late 30s and have spent the last few years transitioning more into product management. I'm still coding sometimes, but less and less. In fact, I am pleased that a lot of my coding has gone back to being recreational (outside of work). I'm reaching a point in my career where I feel that my skills and knowledge are put to better use helping other junior programmers do their work better, rather than doing the work myself. Besides, no matter how much experience and knowledge I have, there will always be a 20 year old who is willing to work twice as many hours for half the pay, and they will eventually get to more or less the same result I would. Why would I want to compete against that? I'd rather be that 20 year old's boss or advisor, and help him/her work smarter and learn faster.. And my clients and employers seem to agree..