Once I visited a US forum for programmers. One said that he had been a programmer, IT department manager and even CEO. He was in his forties at the time and was working as a programmer analyst again. It's his own choice. His reason was exactly what you said - "fewer responsibilities and easier life". He spent 40% of his time analysing, 60% coding and testing. He was used to leaving his office at 5pm. He said he was able to enjoy his life once again.