Young fathers face raised health risks in middle age

NEW YORK (Reuters) – First-time dads in their early 20s may have the energy and agility to keep up with their young children, but a new study shows early fatherhood can pose perils later in life.

Research by Finnish researchers showed that becoming a father before the age of 25 is linked to a higher chance of dying in middle age.

“Men who have a child before the age of 22 have a very clear higher midlife mortality than men who have children later, at an average age of 25 to 26,” said Dr. Elina Einio of the University of Helsinki.

Although the study did not look into the possible causes of the higher risk of death for young fathers, Einio suggests that unplanned pregnancy, early marriage and the psychological and economic stress of fatherhood could play a part.

“The findings of our study provide evidence of a need to support young fathers struggling with the demands of family life in order to promote good health behaviors and future health,” said Einio, who reported the findings in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.