Delaying parenthood may boost longevity, study finds

Proceeding from a fresh article, Your Tango describes that delaying motherhood might do more than just offer personal benefits—it could also increase your chances of living a longer life. 

A recent study from Boston University found that women who have children later in life, particularly after the age of 33, are more likely to live to 95 or older compared to those who have their last child before the age of 30. The research suggests that the ability to have children later could signal slower aging, offering new insights into the connection between fertility and longevity.

Sebastiani clarified, however, that delaying childbirth itself doesn’t directly contribute to living longer. Instead, she explained that the ability to have children at older ages may signal a slower aging process. Sebastiani and her team analyzed data from the Long Life Family Study, which examined the health and longevity of 551 families, many of whose members lived to advanced ages.

The study found that women who had children later in life not only lived longer but were also twice as likely to reach the age of 95 or older compared to those who had their last child by 29. The researchers suggest that these women may possess genetic traits that slow the aging process and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as ovarian cancer or diabetes, which can impact fertility. These advantageous genetic variants may also be passed down to future generations.

Dr. Thomas Perls, another author of the study, added, "This possibility [of slow aging genetic variants] may be a clue as to why 85 percent of women live to 100 or more, while only 15 percent of men do."

The findings highlight the importance of genetics in longevity, emphasizing that waiting until an older age to have children could be associated with positive long-term health outcomes. Many women who delay parenthood are likely more secure in themselves and their relationships, potentially enjoying a more stable and fulfilling family life in their later years.

Whether it’s prioritizing personal goals, career development, or enjoying the role of "cool aunt" to friends’ children, waiting to have children may not only enrich life in the present but also lead to more years to share with your own children in the future.

By Naila Huseynova