Over the weekend I was reading the Good Weekend magazine (which comes in the Saturday Sydney Morning Herald for those interstate or overseas). I enjoyed reading an article on older dads. (Sorry, I can't find a link to it online) I think, by the standard of the article, an older dad was defined as being over 55.
The article was more a description of the lives of older dads, rather than an editorial about the advantages and disadvantages. There was a small section detailing some of the health risks for the babies of older fathers. These health risks included a twofold increase in the risk of developing schizophrenia, as well as a link to increased rates of Autism.
On the other hand, there seems to be some advantages to older fatherhood. This is especially if the older fathers have enough money to be semi-retired/ work from home and spend heaps of time with their young children (as in the case of Mike Carlton - one of the older dads interviewed).
I really have no opinion on older fatherhood, though the increased health risks are worrying. My husband has always said that he would prefer our family done and dusted by the time he is 40. (He is turning 37 in June, so I tell him we can still squeeze in 3 more children in that time ;-)).
We have friends on both ends of the spectrum. One couple from our church are in their early 20s having children. Other friends of ours did not marry until the husband was over 40. He is now approaching 50 (though a very youthful 50!) with two small children. I don't think he feels it any more than your average father with a demanding job and small children. Perhaps if he were another decade older, things may be different.
We have friends on both ends of the spectrum. One couple from our church are in their early 20s having children. Other friends of ours did not marry until the husband was over 40. He is now approaching 50 (though a very youthful 50!) with two small children. I don't think he feels it any more than your average father with a demanding job and small children. Perhaps if he were another decade older, things may be different.
What is your opinion/ experience with older fathers? Did you have one? Are you/ is your husband an older father? Do you think there are advantages/ disadvantages to late fatherhood?
