The Surprising Benefits of Having Children Later in Life: A Study Reveals Key Advantages
For couples who have yet to start a family, there’s some good news—having children later in life may have its distinct advantages. A recent study suggests that kids born to mothers over the age of 40 may experience several unique benefits that could set them ahead in life.
The study, published in Population and Development Review, focused on children born to older mothers, particularly those who delayed childbirth until age 40 or older. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and the London School of Economics analyzed data from 1.5 million Swedish individuals born between 1960 and 1991. Their findings reveal that children born to older mothers tend to have significant advantages over their peers born to younger mothers.
The research showed that children born to older moms were generally taller, more educated, and performed better on standardized tests. The team analyzed siblings from the same family, excluding twins and multiples, and found that children born later in life performed better across various factors, including height, academic performance, and physical fitness.
Study author Kieron Barclay explains that by comparing siblings, they were able to isolate the influence of maternal age, which helped eliminate other potential biases. “This approach allowed us to pinpoint the importance of maternal age at the time of birth,” he said.
Despite the common risks associated with delayed childbearing, researchers believe the benefits outweigh them. The study suggests that children of older mothers may benefit from a more stable socioeconomic environment, as parents in their forties are often more financially secure and may place greater emphasis on their child’s education and well-being. The delayed focus on motherhood may also mean higher investment in the child’s learning and development.
While intelligence is influenced by various factors, researchers note that children of older mothers tend to have fewer hospital admissions, fewer injuries, better language development, and fewer emotional difficulties compared to those born to younger moms.
Lead researcher Mikko Myrskylä highlights the need for a shift in perspective on advanced maternal age. “We need to develop a different perspective on advanced maternal age,” he says. “Expectant parents are well aware of the risks, but they may not be as familiar with the positive effects of having children later in life.”
While the exact reasons behind these findings remain unclear, researchers suggest that improved health and social conditions over time may play a role in these positive outcomes.
For those still considering parenthood later in life, this research offers a hopeful outlook. Delayed childbearing may indeed offer both personal and developmental advantages for children, especially as women’s health and socioeconomic circumstances continue to improve.
