User blog comment:Sargenttacos115/Natsu and Gajeel age Theory/@comment-138.86.229.133-20130225074450

I think it's not because Natsu and Gajeel themselves are so old that they couldn't escape Freed's barrier, but that the magic they carry within themselves is part of their dragon's power, and that power is over 80.

Also, Wendy is stated to be 12 and we can accurately place Natsu's age. He is the same age as Lisanna right? Well on Lisanna's grave, it states that her years of life were between 768 and 782. Meaning she was 14. Add two years (of being in Edolas) and you have 16. Bingo.

Also, it is stated that Acnologia forced the other dragons to leave their offspring, plus it's obvious Igneel and Grandeeney are still watching over their "children" so whatever the case, they still disappeared since they haven't shown themselves to their children.