American scientists say that becoming a father at an older age raises concerns about the health and future of children.
- The percentage of births to fathers aged 50 and over increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2022. Older fathers are more ethnically diverse and have varying levels of education.
- Older fatherhood has been associated with increased use of antiretroviral therapy, first-time maternal deliveries, and adverse perinatal outcomes.
- “It is essential to continue research on this population in order to improve patient recommendations” and family planning.
Men do not have the same biological clock as women. Thus, they have the ability to conceive children later. This is a trend increasingly observed by researchers at Stanford University (United States). Indeed, in a study, they indicated that “The age of fathers at childbirth is increasing, and an increasing number of births are attributed to older fathers. However, while the impact of advanced paternal age has been documented, sociodemographic data on fathers aged 50 and over remain scarce.”
Births to fathers aged over 50 increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2022
To explore sociodemographic and temporal trends associated with American fathers over age 50 and their associations with perinatal outcomes, the team used data from the National Vital Statistics System, which collects information from all U.S. birth certificates. They analyzed all birth outcomes from 2011 to 2022, specifically prematurity and birth weight. The scientists also controlled for factors including the father’s age, race, education level, and maternal characteristics (gestational diabetes, hypertension).
From 2011 to 2022, the United States recorded 46,195,453 births, with an average paternal age of 31 years and 484,507 involving fathers aged 50 or older, 47,785 aged 60 or older, and 3,777 aged 70 or older. According to the results, published in the journal JAMA Network Openbirths to fathers aged 50 or older increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2022. “Fathers aged 50 or older were more diverse, with variations in education level and ethnicity.”
Antiretroviral, prematurity, low birth weight: each 10-year increase in paternal age increases the risk
After controlling for maternal age and other sociodemographic and perinatal factors, each 10-year increase in paternal age was consistently associated with increased use of antiretroviral therapy, higher odds of maternal first birth, and increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight relative to paternal age. “No significant changes in the sex ratio of infants were observed, except among fathers aged 70 or older and 75 or older, who showed a decreased probability of having male offspring,” the authors specified.
In the conclusions, they indicate that these changes in late fatherhood underscore the importance of public education in family planning and counseling. “It is essential to continue research in this population in order to improve recommendations to patients.”
