Is programming still a good career as you get older?

I hope so. I plan to code through all the coughing until I'm decomposing in my coffin. On a more serious note, it doesn't matter. What matters is will programming be a good career for YOU when YOU get older? If you look after your mind and body, then I can't see you having a disadvantage in your old age. Worried about increased possibility of arthritis or RSI? Don't be. We'll be using IDE's through thought control by the time that becomes a risk for you.

Programming only started to become mainstream at universities and corporations in the last 30 years or so. The vast majority of people who started their careers programming are relatively young. Therefore the pool of most experienced programmers are relatively young. Most older professionals either went through a potentially tough transition from other professions or put a lot of time into keeping up with the latest technologies. Programming will continue to be a good profession as you age. It'll always require a continual desire to learn and adapt. As long as you can keep up you'll have a long career.