Volunteer for Life Line or something like that if you want to offer life experience to younger people. Here, it would come across as patronising.

Dear individual,

With a name like "individual," I must admit
that I find it rather surprising that you
feel the inclusion of everyone's age along
with the username would somehow be a benefit.

I don't agree.

As you said yourself - this Forum is an
interesting one - undoubtedly part of the
reason is the fact that it is to a great
extent a level playing field.
Anonimity helps us from bringing forth negative
stereotypes about each other.

To have people include their ages would detract
from the level playing field as it now stands.
Because whether we like to admit it or not - the
belief that one age category is in some respects
inferior to other age categories does exist consciously
or unconsciously among many people.
Often individual differences are forgotten.

I would prefer that we continue to inter-act with
people according to the content of their posts.
And, I know that if I were to know some of the ages
of people - I may be influenced in the way I behave
towards them.
"Respect your elders!" or - "What does he/she know?"
"Never trust anyone over 30!" et cetera, et cetera.

Can't put old heads on young shoulders. can we?

Sean Moran, born in South Perth Hospital, Western Australia, 28th of December, 1967. Gender obviously of the X-chromosome deficient minority. 9-)

Honesty is the best policy.

StG
Certainly, some people see/saw it as such. However, I did that simply because I believe we have a responsibility to be informed (i.e. ignorance is no excuse under law.). Likewise society can only function properly if its citizens are informed and involved.

I look at it this way If I got bitter and twisted every time someone urged me to do something expanding or they thought it a good Idea I'd be stark raving nuts by now and more ignorant to boot.

In truth those who are defensive reluctant to look at the person or advice sensibly will over react defensively at the most minute provocation. The original Forrest Gump said it best "evil thinks evil sees" I'm not responsible for others failings only to help.

Even on OLO I've taken criticisms and ideas on board. No I'm not especially smart or wise just enough to know that wisdom, good points can come from anywhere and anybody. I am therefore beholden to be prepared and to take note. Anyone who doesn't only disadvantages themselves.

Individual,
Sorry if I offended , that wasn't my point or intention. I simple fail to see that the information you advocate is helpful or necessary. Intelligence age gender etc. are real criteria for census planning etc. but useless in conversation amongst adults. As suggested many surprisingly young, otherwise dumb people can and do come up with amazing insights. To exclude them on the basis you indicate is IMO counter productive and only makes me the poorer.

IMHO My self image doesn't depend on respect for either my age or gender but rather what sense I make to the reader. Often the same post can illicit polls apart responses. That is as it should be. I think I could with some leeway predict the ages/genders of most of the regulars but that is hardly relevant. What they say is.
Simply reading what and how they express themselves over time reveals that.
Your wording seemed to link all the criteria .
Beyond that I can't contribute.

I am with StG on this one. It is bad enough at times to be identified as a woman on these pages without telling one's age as well!

I think that if you want everyone to know your age, then by all means write it with your post.

At the end of the day, we could all write ourselves down at any age we would like to be anyway.

I will start the ball rolling by saying that I am 21, blonde and buxom! (:

I am offended true by the whole idea indy.
No not age, but it does not matter.
But the idea our age has impact on what we say.
Who we are.
Why do you think that?
So very many do but why?
64m
There it is out.
Do not however look for me in a bowling club.
No walking stick, I think youth always should lead.
But do we come here for social contact?
Do we need to know?
Is age in any way related to IQ?
Each of us is part way down a path we all must walk.
That track ends for every one of us.
Some will get to the end with less pain than others but each step has to be taken.
Todays teenager is tomorrows old man.