Honestly, being 53 definitely makes it trickier to migrate "Down under", but it's not impossible at all. While it's true that Australia's immigration policies have age restrictions for certain types of visas, there are still pathways available for individuals over 50.

Here are a list of the generic options (although some of them might not be relevant as Partner's or Parent's visas but I mention them anyway):

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved business for up to four years. It does not have an age limit, making it a viable option for older applicants. However, it's important to note that this visa is temporary and does not directly lead to permanent residency, especially for those over 45.
   
   
2. Global Talent Visa: This visa is designed for individuals with exceptional skills in specific sectors. While there is no age limit, applicants over 55 must demonstrate substantial benefits to the Australian community.
   
   
3. Employer-Sponsored Visas: Some employer-sponsored visas, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 494), might be available depending on the specific role and circumstances, for instance if you earn a high salary (the Fair Work High Income Threshold, which is over AUD 167,500 per year as of 2024), possess exceptional skills in your occupation, or fill a role with critical skills shortages. However, these exemptions are rare and usually only applied in exceptional cases
   
   
4. Partner Visa: If you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a Partner Visa, which does not have an age limit.
   
   
5. Parent Visa: If you have children settled in Australia, you may be eligible for parent visas, which usually have significant wait times or substantial costs.
   
   
6. Business Innovation & Investment Visas: If you have significant business or investment experience and capital, certain visas (like the Business Innovation and Investment subclass 188) allow applicants up to age 55, and sometimes older if state or territory government agencies provide special waivers.
   
   
7. Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): This is an employer-sponsored visa program that allows businesses in specific regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled workers. The DAMA Visa has relaxed age restrictions, making it an attractive option for individuals over 45 but under 55. But that requires having serious money to invest - we're talking between one million and five million dollars for investment.

It's also worth noting that while permanent skilled visas generally have an age limit of 44, there are exceptions and other types of visas that might be suitable for your situation.

Many migrants over 50 report that unless they have a sponsoring employer, strong business/investment background, or direct family in Australia, gaining permanent residency or even long-term work rights is difficult. Stories of people relocating to Australia as skilled workers after 50 are quite rare due to these restrictions.

However, your background in IT, especially if paired with leadership or specialised skills, may interest potential employer-sponsored programs. The key is finding an employer willing to sponsor you for a TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa, which could eventually lead to permanent residency (and all TSS can get permanent residency after 2 years only instead of 3, but check the age requirement and exceptions).

In conclusion, your might want to to consult a registered migration agent, as individual circumstances (qualifications, English proficiency, job offers, investment capacity, family connections) can strongly affect your eligibility and possible pathways. Your age certainly presents challenges, but it's not insurmountable with the right approach and pathway.

Best of luck