  Classical Cepheid variable stars are both sensitive astrophysical
laboratories and accurate cosmic distance tracers. We have recently
investigated how the evolutionary effects of rotation impact the properties of
these important stars and here provide an accessible overview of some key
elements as well as two important consequences. Firstly, rotation resolves the
long-standing Cepheid mass discrepancy problem. Second, rotation increases main
sequence lifetimes, i.e, Cepheids are approximately twice as old as previously
thought. Finally, we highlight the importance of the short-period ends of
Cepheid period distributions as indicators for model adequacy.
