Taiwan’s average parental age at birth has reached new heights, with both mothers and fathers having children later in life. According to the National Health Research Institutes, over the past three decades, the average age for mothers giving birth has increased by five years, now at approximately 32. Fathers’ average age has also risen by four years, reaching about 34.
In collaboration with National Taiwan University, the National Health Research Institutes analyzed genetic sequencing to understand the impact of paternal age on children’s health. The study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, sheds light on the potential risks associated with delayed fatherhood.
Chen Wei-jian, Deputy Director of the National Health Research Institutes, explained that advanced maternal age is often linked to higher pregnancy risks and an increased chance of unhealthy conditions in children. However, he noted that older paternal age could also negatively affect offspring health.
Researcher Wang Shi-heng shared that the study analyzed data from seven million newborns in Taiwan. The findings revealed a concerning trend: when fathers were between 25 and 29 years old, the risk of their children developing schizophrenia was about 0.5%. However, this rate more than doubled, exceeding 1%, when fathers were over 50.
Wang attributed this connection to the continuous process of sperm production in men. As men age, cell division errors can lead to DNA mutations in sperm. These mutations may increase the likelihood of mental illness in their children. Additionally, delayed fatherhood is linked to an earlier onset of mental illness in offspring.
However, Wang also warned that fathering children before 20 could negatively affect the next generation’s health. International guidelines suggest that the optimal age for women to conceive is between 25 and 30 years.
The trend of delayed parenthood is growing in Taiwan. In 2021, 6% of births were to mothers aged 40 and older. By 2022, the proportion of births to mothers aged 35 and above had risen to about 32%.
