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My mom was 40 when she had me, dad was 43. Dad passed away 5 years ago and mom passed away last June. I'm only 25
I think it's great when older parents have kids, but my parents were tired of parenting (I'm the youngest of seven) by the time I came around, so I didn't have the most pleasant childhood. For others (first time parents), I think it's a great blessing
Raggy, I'm sorry that people feel the need to post all these depressing posts here when this is a joyous time in your life. Enjoy your baby, and take of yourself, can't do more than that.
Seriously people, take it to the older parents thread in Great Debates.
If someone is already an older parent, they should worry about it because there are many positive things they can do to promote their health and live longer. Sticking their heads in the sand---because it's one more thing to worry about or parents can die at any age---doesn't allow older parents to be proactive about their life expectancy. The reality is that the odds increase when a parent is older. It's a reality. It doesn't make sense to ignore it.
Hopes, again I'm very sorry that you and others have lost your parents at a young age. You know I am. So please this isn't meant to be insensitive to the pain it has caused you or others.
Yes the odds increase. But the actual reality is that most people live well past their 50's. Of course it's good to be proactive regarding your health. That's true of all parents. It's just not fair to tell older parents that they're likely to die - they aren't. Not before everyone else is expected to. Their life expectancy is the same as everybody's. Which for me, is 80, not 55. Actually, because I had a child in my 40's, my life expectancy has potentially risen to 100.
I'm an older parent, and I swear, all these threads about it that opine that your days are numbered can really get you down if you let it.
Life is a roll of the dice. I got a teen-age brother and sister when their single mother suddenly died. She was 33. My sister had a baby when she was 43. He is the joy of her life.
None of us know what's going to happen. If the baby comes when you are 25: fabulous. If the little fella comes along when you are 45: fabulous. Everyone needs to take their vitamins, cut down on fats, walk more, and buckle their seat belts. But to worry about what may be down the road is, I think, wasting energy. Better to just live your life.
I know very few people who have had their parents die in their 50s. I know very few people who have died in their 50s. Sure, it can happen, and the odds go up slightly compared to when they're in their 40s -- but it's still pretty relatively low, or at least low enough that I don't think it's a major consideration. And, unfortunately, people can die at any age. And while there may be some people out there who think in those terms because of their own family histories, I don't think most of us do.
To the OP: while I'm sure some people are surprised that you're having a baby at a later age than average, some of the surprise or the pause might be just the normal pause that people of ANY age get when they announce a pregnancy. You don't sound too concerned about it, but don't let yourself get paranoid or sensitive about, or try to over-analyze things. Most people are probably going to be excited for you, but if you've been together a long time and have not had children then they might be a little surprised for a few seconds (and yes, wonder if it was planned!).
Raggy, I'm sorry that people feel the need to post all these depressing posts here when this is a joyous time in your life. Enjoy your baby, and take of yourself, can't do more than that.
Seriously people, take it to the older parents thread in Great Debates.
Thanks!! I am definitely looking forward to being a dad regardless of my age and what others think. regardless of all the work kids require, I have a feeling I will not regret it
for those who posted about losing there parents in there 50's I am sorry to hear that. I realize there could be a slight chance of that happening to me but I am not going to dwell on it.
To the OP: while I'm sure some people are surprised that you're having a baby at a later age than average, some of the surprise or the pause might be just the normal pause that people of ANY age get when they announce a pregnancy. if you've been together a long time and have not had children then they might be a little surprised for a few seconds (and yes, wonder if it was planned!).
Yes, more people are happy than suprised or think that way. And yes, my wife and I where together a long time before it happened, so that is a shock to people when I tell them.
raggy - you'll love it. It's definitely been great for MrFinsterRufus and I. And I have to say people have never before called me old - it's suddenly an issue for people if you become a parent.
Well, I wasn't old before and I'm not starting now.
The grandparents had a moment when we told them - kinda like the skies had opened and little cherubs had come floating down to earth blowing trumpets. They had that kind of reaction. As if their dreams that they thought were for naught had finally come true. It was very sweet.
Thanks!! I am definitely looking forward to being a dad regardless of my age and what others think. regardless of all the work kids require, I have a feeling I will not regret it
for those who posted about losing there parents in there 50's I am sorry to hear that. I realize there could be a slight chance of that happening to me but I am not going to dwell on it.
I was 45 when i discovered i was pregnant, the shock sent my husband and i into a spin, my daughter was overseas aged 25 and we had lost a son 2 years previously to a car accident aged 21. Having had cancer at an early age it was thought by the specialists that i shouldn't go through with the pregnancy,so i agreed to a termination. Bad decision ???yes i now have regrets about that as here i am all these years later. My advice to you is to enjoy this time, you are giving life, ok so you may or may not be around that is a gamble at any age i wish you lots of luck don't listen to all the negativity be happy.
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The OP asked a question. He's getting answers. 
