The Health Risks of Being an Older Father Are More Serious Than People Think
When the news of Al Pacino becoming a father at 83 spread, it caught nearly everyone’s attention. His friend Robert De Niro, now 79, did something similar not long before. These Hollywood legends aren’t the first older dads to have kids later in life, but their stories raise an interesting question: What really happens when men have children at an advanced age?
The Rise Of Older Fatherhood
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The average age for new fathers has been slowly increasing since the 1970s. In the U.S., the average age is now about 31, and in the U.K., it is in the early 30s. People are starting families later for various reasons, including careers, finances, relationships, and sometimes simply not feeling ready until later in life. While women’s biological clocks have long been discussed, science is showing that men’s reproductive systems change with age as well.
Men don’t go through menopause, so they can often continue producing sperm into later life. However, sperm quality declines over time. Studies show that as men age, sperm count, motility, and genetic integrity are affected. Research indicates that sperm in men in their early thirties carry disease-causing mutations about one in 50 times, and by the age of seventy, about one in twenty sperm may carry such mutations. These genetic changes, sometimes called “selfish” mutations, can multiply with age and have been linked to certain rare conditions such as achondroplasia, congenital heart defects, and some cancers.
The Biological Slowdown
As men age, testosterone levels tend to decline gradually, and this affects overall fertility and health. Lower hormone levels can influence energy, mood, and reproductive function. Older men are more likely to have lower semen volume and sperm that are less able to reach and fertilize an egg. This reduction in sperm quality increases the risk of infertility and can contribute to higher rates of miscarriage even when the female partner is younger.
A 2022 review led by researchers from the University of Utah linked advanced paternal age to reduced fertility and higher risks of pregnancy loss. Scientists also found that DNA damage accumulates in the cells responsible for sperm production as men age. Those damaged genes can be passed down and may increase the risk of certain conditions in children, including heart defects, seizures, and childhood cancers. Although these risks rise with age, most children born to older fathers are still healthy, and many of the associated conditions remain rare.
It’s Not All Doom And Gloom
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Even though sperm quality declines, men remain capable of fathering healthy children well into older age. The majority of older fathers experience normal fertility outcomes, and the absolute risk for most health conditions remains relatively low. However, biology does keep track of time, and the effects of aging cannot be ignored. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and eating well may help reduce some of the adverse effects of aging on male fertility.
The Conversation That’s Been Missing
For decades, fertility discussions have centered on women, while men have often been left out of the picture. Experts agree that men should understand that their age plays a vital role in reproductive health. Raising awareness about paternal age and encouraging proactive health choices can make a difference for those planning to start families later in life.
So, while fatherhood in one’s 70s or 80s might sound impressive, science shows that biology does change with time. Being an older dad isn’t impossible, but it comes with measurable risks for both father and child. The message isn’t to panic but to plan. As time moves on, understanding its impact on fertility can help men make informed and healthier choices for the future.