In a message dated 98-03-21 01:08:36 EST, sterman@sprynet.com writes:

Time doesn't pass in the Ranmaverse.  No one gets older, no one ever goes
 on to the next year of school, the seasons go from summer to winter in the
 space of a few chapters but Ranma and Akane manage to stay 16.

  I probably got this wrong, so if any can correct me, but near the end of the
manga, isn't Akane and Ranma around 17?