Grey beards

Have you noticed how many older men have beards?

Why do they grow them - they hide their facial features, prevent others from seeing the nuances of their expressions and generally mask about half of their face. Most have failing sight too and glasses add to the mask. Worse still, many wear peaked caps on sunny days so there is little more to see than their eyes through lenses, noses and ears. How defensive and boring.

Is it to compensate for a bald head? Do they think that a beard adds gravitas? Are they worried about their looks?

Come on chaps, get them off and face the world. Years will drop off your perceived age, and people will respond to your warm smiles.