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Are some men too old to become fathers?

64 year old Rod Stewart is trying to have a second child with his third wife. By the time the youngster is graduating from High School, pops will be 82 years old. On the other hand, it IS Rod Stewart and the kid will no doubt be financially secure. I remember how often I needed advice from my own father as a young married father and home owner. Does the money over-ride the need for a Dad?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33864548/ns/entertainment-access_hollywood/
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kty2777
kty2777
Marked as Best! November 12, 2009 09:00 AM
Looking at it from a medical point of view for the child, there is a risk of genetic defects from old fathers.
Autism, bipolar and other behavioral problems have been associated with the age of the father.

See these links for more details:
http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/43/21/18
http://ebdblog.com/documents/paternalage/
http://health.dailynewscentral.com/content/view/0002286/49/

From a family point of view, its not a good thing. Old fathers are less likely to participate in rearing the child and being there as a role model later in life. No rough-house play all the time, less sporty stuff ( not always but mostly )

Being on the same 'generational' level is important and if the father or mother is too old it makes communication more difficult...

We are meant to have children fairly young in life, so we can be there for them when it counts, both physically and mentally.

And no, money doesn't make up for love and attention, it just can't.
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jupiter2
jupiter2
November 12, 2009 02:23 AM
Recent research revealed that compared to younger dads, fathers in the older age group were more inclined to be less tolerant of their children's physical activities, perceiving them to be more impulsive and overactive. Older dads apparently also show less affection and warmth towards their partner.
Source(s):
http://www.mothers35plus.co.uk/older-fathers.htm
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quesera
quesera
November 12, 2009 03:19 AM
On the one hand, no one is guaranteed a father who will live long enough to meet their grandkids, offer advice into their child's adulthood, or even be there for their child's childhood. On the other hand, older fathers are almost guaranteeing that they won't be there, which I think is wrong. Money is money, but the love and security of knowing your dad is there is priceless. My mother's father recently died, and even as a woman in her 50's, she lamented that her father was her rock, and now that he was gone, the world was a scarier place. That man also left behind two children under the age of 25. I hurt for them. They are suffering like young adults shouldn't have to suffer. Actual children (minors) should never have to see their father die of old age, and fathers who have children in their 60's and 70's are making that a possibility.

My grandfather was an honorable man, but he should not have had children so late in life.
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donabpoppi...
donabpoppi...
November 12, 2009 09:19 AM
Your NEVER too old to become a father, just as long as your being a good one there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
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richaji
richaji
November 12, 2009 03:26 PM
men can become father in any age if they are financially sound good
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pjmom23
pjmom23
November 12, 2009 04:13 PM
I agree with kty2777. He may have decided later in life to be sure his genetic code gets passed on, but it's wrong in all kinds of ways from ethical, moral, and emotional stand points to give children a chance at life that will for the most part be fatherless. True religion is the care of the fatherless and the widows. I just don't want more suffering and sorrow and evil than the day presently gives in and of itself.
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