older men's sperm contributing to increases in autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Grandpa-Daddy

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
filed under: pregnancy & baby logic
There are physical and emotional consequences to having kids at such a late stage of life.
Michelle Golland, Psy.D.: With the wonderful news that Celine Dion, 41, is pregnant with her second child with her husband Rene, who is 67 years old, I wanted to share the pros and cons of being a Grandpa-Daddy. I choose that title because most of the men who are conceiving children beyond their 60s are most likely on their second wife and have older kids from their first marriage who have kids of their own as well.

There are physical and emotional consequences to having children at such a late stage of life. Because Celine Dion is a relatively young woman, she will be around to raise the children if anything were to happen to Rene. Let's be honest -- another positive is the fact that these children will not be concerned for their financial future in any way, which is usually a concern when becoming a parent at the age of 67. So when this child is 18, Rene will be 85.

Cons
Old sperm: Researchers are finding that it is not just our eggs that get old and cause all the problems, but old sperm may be contributing to increases in autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's.


Death/lost role model: Your children won't get to see you in your middle ages and you certainly won't see them in their 30's and having children. Your kids will most likely bury you.


Social stigma: You will be mistaken for the grandpa. Your kids' friends and their parents will assume that you are grandpa due to your age -- plain and simple. This will be embarrassing for your children -- and it will be a topic they will continue to explain their whole life.

Pros
Older dads are more involved in parenting, and are typically more nurturing, affectionate and gentle. Studies have shown that this may be caused by the drop in testosterone as men age.


Older dads are three times more likely to show equality in parenting. They change diapers, feed and bathe their children more often than younger dads.


Kids of older dads usually have higher self-esteem, more confidence, greater sense of security, better ability to handle stress and are more empathic.