I think you've gotten your answer, but here's one more opinion.
I don't see any stigma at all with people (of any age) walking around with iPod Touches. If you already have a smart phone, or if you don't and simply don't want a data plan, then the Touch is a great fit for you.
I'm in my forties and I love my Touch. I don't play too many games on it, I use it for music and podcasts and I've never once been embarrassed to be seen with it. It's not like I'm carrying around a Nintendo DS; this is a music and video player that can also run apps, some of which are games. It has gone all over the world with me and let me book lodging (via Skype), get directions (maps), stay in touch with friends and family (email), stay entertained during flights (movies and books), plan each day's activities (subway timetables, Lonely Planet and other travel apps), etc. To be fair, sometimes it is difficult enough to find a WiFi signal that it makes me wish I owned an iPhone, plus the lack of GPS is unfortunate. But regardless, it was a great purchase for me and I happily use it daily with no regrets.
In other words, this is not a child's gaming device.