Would you rather look old when you're young and young when you're old? Or look young when you're young and old when you're old?

I find it fascinating that when you look at someone you can immediately determine if they are younger, older or about your age.

Why can we do this so fast? My guess is that it has to do with reproduction and evolution. It was in our benefit to identify people's ages very quickly - it helped us get more mates and have more babies.

The way life works now, we look young when' we're young and old when we're old. What if this was reversed?

From my work in the school system I know that kids who look older often have more problems:

1) They're bullied by their peers for looking different.

2) Teachers and adults overestimate their maturity and are disappointed.

So I think it would be bad when you're young. On the other hand, when you're old and you look young, lots of good things can happen.

1) People will be pleasantly surprised at your maturity and wisdom.

2) You'll have more success with the opposite sex because combined with your good looks, you now have the intelligence and wisdom of an old person that would help you attract and seduce(?) a younger person.

On the other hand, it would be frustrating being treated as a "dumb young person" by people who are younger than you.

In conclusion, I say that the way we age works out just fine.