You should definitely invest in your skill set then, and learn new technologies if you want to stay in the game - but age is not the critical factor here. Perhaps you've lost your passion?
I'm about a decade older than you and I'm still continuously working on evolving my skills and learning new languages and technologies. I do it primarily because it excites me, and as an added bonus it keeps me ahead in the game :)
Actually, the career path of a consultant is from I'm seeing around me, a very solid path for older guys who love programming. I know a couple of 50+ year old guys who still get tons of work, and it seems like since they are consultants, no one cares about their "cultural fit" etc.
Well, that was mostly point for others to consider better planing of their career.
Personally, I am not going to be developer for much longer (unless some catastrophe happens). Income from my winery, various projects, rental properties and other businesses will soon replace my income from computer programming.
Oh, I read it as "plan you career as programmers" :)
Good to hear you're finding other passions. Software is my second career BTW, I only started professionally at 29 (I've been programming since age 10).
I know what being trapped in a job you lost your passion for, and can't get out of, feels like. And I feel very blessed that I found my professional path. I do know that it's not for everyone.
I'm about a decade older than you and I'm still continuously working on evolving my skills and learning new languages and technologies. I do it primarily because it excites me, and as an added bonus it keeps me ahead in the game :)
Actually, the career path of a consultant is from I'm seeing around me, a very solid path for older guys who love programming. I know a couple of 50+ year old guys who still get tons of work, and it seems like since they are consultants, no one cares about their "cultural fit" etc.