Premature ageing

I am concerned that the debate over the age of Keith Ponting has not touched on the sensitive issue of his historical ageing rate. I recollect that he spent considerable time aged "(29)". Ecological lifetable-analysis approaches would indicate a further considerable period should pass before he is due the designation "(31)". Recent calls for his elevation to this status are premature.

Aulay Mackenzie, Dean of academic partnerships, University of Essex.