6 Benefits of Having a Child After the Age of 35

Hearing about the so-called “biological clock” ticking can be daunting for any woman. It’s true that the number of eggs a woman has decreases with age, and pregnancy after 35 does come with some additional risks, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, or chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome in the baby.

If you’re considering having a baby at an older age, it’s essential to consult your doctor to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your life and health.

The good news, however, is that more and more research highlights some remarkable benefits of having children later in life—for both the mother and the child.

Here are six of the greatest advantages of becoming a mom later in life:

1. It Can Boost Your Brainpower
   Although this may be partly attributed to reduced stress or increased life experience, studies show that having children later in life can enhance cognitive sharpness. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examined 830 middle-aged women to determine whether there is a link between giving birth later in life and brain function. Researchers found that women who had their last child after 35 showed sharper cognitive and verbal memory. They also found that women who had their first child after 24 were better at problem-solving compared to their peers who had children before turning 24.

2. The Child May Have a Lower Risk of Injury
   Naturally, you’ll protect your child as best as you can, no matter your age. However, several studies highlight a lower likelihood of unintentional injuries requiring medical attention in children of older mothers. For example, a 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal found that by age three, the risk of unintentional injuries dropped from 36.6% for mothers aged 20 to 28.6% for mothers aged 40. A more recent Japanese study confirmed similar findings, suggesting that children born to older mothers are less likely to experience hospital admissions due to unintentional injuries.
3. You’re Likely to Be Emotionally More Mature
   There’s an undeniable sense of maturity that comes with age. Just think about how much you’ve changed since your teenage or early adult years. Research shows that emotional maturity plays a significant role in parenting quality. For instance, a study published in the European Journal of Developmental Psychology in March 2017 examined the psychosocial development of children born to mothers aged over 31 and under 31. The study found that older mothers were less likely to use physical discipline and had more relaxed parenting styles, resulting in better behavior, social skills, and emotional health in their children during their pre-teen years.
4. Your Child May Be More Technologically Savvy and Better Educated
   The longer you wait to have children, the more likely they are to grow up in a technologically advanced era. According to Dr. Camilla Phillips, an OB/GYN in New York, “Children of older parents benefit from the educational, technological, and societal advancements that come with delayed parenting.” A Swedish study also indicated that children of older parents tend to perform better academically and are more likely to pursue higher education compared to their peers born to younger parents.
5. You’re Likely to Be in a Better Financial Position
   Numerous studies suggest that financial stability correlates with better health outcomes for children. If you’ve had time to complete your education and build a career, you’re more likely to earn a higher salary compared to someone who became a parent before starting their career. Research indicates that children of older mothers often remain in the educational system longer, perform better on standardized tests, and are more likely to attend college, likely due to the improved socio-economic status of their parents.

6. You May Live Longer
   Some believe that having children later in life means less energy to keep up with young kids or a shorter lifespan to witness significant milestones in their lives. However, research proves otherwise. A 2015 study on menopause found that women who had children after 33 were twice as likely to live to age 95 compared to women who had their last child before 30. This is definitely worth considering.