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I would say likely forever. Programming is a commitment. Many people will just not be able to sacrifice other things in life to keep up.

Programming isn't a "learn it once and you're good for life" sort of career. Programmers have to keep learning every day to stay relevant.

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That is a good point, and most other professions that require continuing education are similarly well-paid (healthcare, law, accounting, engineering). What sets programming apart is that in these other fields, continuing education is compulsory in many cases, so everyone has to do it (license renewals may depend on it). In programming, if I don't keep learning, I won't get better jobs or salary increases.

Plus, the amount of things in our world that will be controlled and performed by software is only going to grow.

While more exposure to technology and better education will create more programmers, I think the demand for programmers will always outstrip the supply.

Specifically, when cont ed is required by law, most people fulfill it by attending bagel eating sales seminars and not learning. Where not required by law or custom, these things don't get attendance and smart growing people pursue actual learning instead.

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