There is nothing keeping you from remaining a programmer as long as you are good at it. I am in my early 50's and have been programming since I was 13 years old, professionally since I was 18. I have studiously avoided management for my entire career and have survived several severe layoffs. Middle managers can be replaced far easier than a good programmer with extensive experience. You do need to be either an expert in an obscure field or be able to keep up with the latest technologies. I do both. I intend to retire as a programmer.