The biological clock crosses the gender divide: How old is too old for fatherhood?
Stock photo of father and son fishing. Studies show that male fertility falters at an older age.
For decades, the age at which people decide to get into parenting has been increasing, but women have borne the brunt of the focus. We see study after study on the countless ways a woman's age affects everything from her egg count to her child's cognitive ability. But what about men?
While older mothers are now well aware of the possible health risks of becoming an older parent, older fathers have not had the same scrutiny. Possibly because the concept of the aging lothario (see: Picasso, Tony Randall, Hugh Hefner, Michael Douglas, Rod Stewart, et al.) fathering a child with his much younger bride has long been part of our universal lexicon.
Well now the research is starting to roll in. We've seen studies connecting paternal age to failed fertilization, cleft palate and possibly even schizophrenia. It's finally becoming clear that age is a major factor in fertility for both women AND men. Men are coming face to face with their biological clock and wondering if it's winding down. And that's before we get to all the issues attendant with being an older parent.
WEIGH IN:
The fact is men have viable fertility for longer than women do, but should you just because you can? What are the pros and cons to be being an older dad? You might have a wealth of knowledge to share but if you don't have the energy to throw around a baseball are your kids missing out? Are you considering fatherhood a little later than you expected? If so, do health concerns play a role or social ones?
Guest:
Aaron Buckwalter, licensed marriage and family therapist
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