We've all read the headlines about famous older men like Tony Randall and Alan King fathering children in their 70's. Also, now because of great advances in fertility science, women can now become mothers much later in life. The oldest woman on record to have birthed a child is now 66.
However, just because they can, does it mean that they should? How old should one expect a parent of a young child to be these days?
With age does come more wisdom, but how about the physical demands of raising a young child? Are 60 and 70 year olds really up to that task? What about the child? How fair is this to her or him to be saddled with a parent that is the age of most of his/her peers grandparents or even great grandparents?
Further on down the road, does this rob the child of the opportunity to have capable, interactive grandparents for his/her own children? What are the chances that the grandparents will even still be alive by the time these older parented kids have kids of their own?
One has to believe that these things are the last and least considered when making the decision to become a parent at an extremely old age. Yes, you can love and give guidance at any age as a parent, but what won't you be able to do?
There is a lot more than the usual to really consider before making this decision, isn't there? What do you think?
I think that you need alot of energy to chase after kids. How is that possible if you're 70?
ReplyDeleteThat's way too old!
I agree, just because they can doesn't mean they should. These people have a high chance of not being around for their own child's high school graduation, wedding, grandkids, etc. I think it's a bit selfish.
ReplyDeleteI have read most of the above blog post, I have learned lots from all of the above blog post. I think your points are valid but not comprehensive enough. I would love to see an expanded version of this article.
ReplyDeleteagree with Lynne statement, 'just because they can doesn't mean they should'
ReplyDeleteand yea at this old age will they be able to handle those small kids, run after them or fulfill their requirements ? I dont think so its possible to be faithful to children.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteFor me it's not a healthy issue for that child. When the child is reaching its teen age what would be the parents health?. At that time the child should need a lot of help from the parents.What would be the child's future at that time?