Discovery of the Peter Pan gene

An article in the Daily Mail today tells of the "Peter Pan" gene that could "explain why some people remain baby-faced while others become old before their time". Apparently millions of Britons are blessed with DNA that makes them look up to eight years younger than their peers.  The accompanying pictures of Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney illustrate the piece perfectly. Paul is a couple of years older than Mick - but looks years younger.

When I was a fresh faced 16 year old I was always mortified that I was the only one of my friends consistently asked to show ID at pubs and clubs.  At the time my Mother commiserated but told me she'd suffered the same embarrassment - and that ultimately it proved our "baby-face" genes - which we'd be grateful for later in life.

Well that time has truly arrived for me.  There are many bonuses to being a late bloomer - my nose is one of mine - I was very happy when my squashed tomato of a nose formed itself into something more "patrician" (at least in profile) in my late twenties. 

There is also something secretly gratifying when one looks around at ones peers and sees that one has weathered the storm of life with less noticeable signs of wear and tear. 

I think the only drawback to being a late bloomer is the feeling of never being taken entirely seriously.  In teenage years my older looking friends matured much faster and took themselves a lot more seriously.  As I've never looked my age, I've never felt my age, and probably then never acted my age, whether this is actually a pro or con depends entirely on your own viewpoint - personally - I'm pro all the way.