Aug 18, 2024 02:20 PM IST
A new study sheds light on the risks of becoming a father late in life and its consequences on the child’s health.
Family dynamics have changed over time with changing social norms. Most men are preferring to postpone fatherhood and start a family later in life, i.e. after the age of 50. Unlike women, who have a strict biological time frame for having children, men can have children at almost any time in life, without any biological clock forcing them to rush. However, a Stanford University research study has delved deeper into the consequences of late fatherhood, finding that this growing trend poses significant risks to the child’s health. The health implications of late fatherhood raise concerns about the child’s future.
Also read: Post-Covid parenting challenges: How fathers can juggle work and family
Variations in the process of becoming a father late
There is no textbook example of becoming a father at 50. They are no longer stereotypical celebrities or wealthy executives, late fatherhood is accepted across all socio-economic and racial groups. Men from a variety of ethnic backgrounds prefer to start families later. This reflects a shift in family planning at a broader societal level, from blue-collar workers to college professors. Factors such as career establishment and financial stability often dictate the decision to delay fatherhood. Despite the ability to become a father at any time in life, older fathers are resorting to assisted reproductive technologies to start a family.
Also read: Supporting your partner: Essential parenting advice for new dads during the postpartum period
Implications for the child
Children born to fathers in their 50s have a higher risk of being born prematurely and having low birth weight babies. While these may seem subtle, they pose a major threat to the early development of the child, which can lead to unexpected consequences as they grow older. The health consequences of late fatherhood on a child are yet to be fully explored. Apart from health risks, the sex of the child is also affected. Fathers aged 70 or above are less likely to have sons. This suggests a possible link between sex determination and age of fatherhood.
With societal changes and the increasing age of fathers, researchers emphasize the need for public education and awareness about the serious health risks associated with children born to older fathers.
Also read: Empowering fathers: Tips for men to support their partner during pregnancy
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