Tuesday 17 May 2022 12:25 PM Three's a crowd! Having more than two children can age parents by an additional ... trends now
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While many people dream of having a large family, a new study may put you off having more than two children.
Researchers from Columbia University have revealed that having three or more children can add a whopping 6.2 years of ageing to parents.
The reason for the findings remain unclear, although the researchers suggest that the stress and financial burden of having additional children could speed up the ageing process.
Researchers from Columbia University have revealed that having three or more children can add a whopping 6.2 years of ageing to parents (stock image)
Until now, little research has focused on whether fertility influences cognition in parents.
'Understanding the factors that contribute to optimal late-life cognition is essential for ensuring successful aging at the individual and societal levels - particularly in Europe, where family sizes have shrunk and populations are aging rapidly,' said Dr Vegard Skirbekk, an author of the study.
In the study, the team analysed data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).
This database includes survey results from thousands of people aged 65+ with at least two biological
