Planning to be a father soon? If you are below the age of 25, better delay your fatherhood plans or risk increasing your chances of dying young.
A study conducted in Finland showed that men who enter fatherhood at age 25 have higher chances of living longer lives compared to those who become dads at a younger age.
"Parenting can be challenging for men – especially at an early age," sociologist Elino Einiö from the University of Helsinki, who led the research, explained.
The study also found out that men who had their first child before 22 years old have a 26 percent chance of dying between the ages of 45 and 54 than men who became fathers at age 25 and above.
The research further noted that the youngest fathers covered by the study were about 50 percent more likely to die early than men who delay their fatherhood until they were at least 30 years old.
The researchers reached these conclusions after an analysis of health records of more than 30,000 fathers from Finland. Their findings were published this week in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
The study, which covered fathers from Finland who were born between 1940 and 1950, used data from a public agency, Statistics Finland.
Einiö further explained that early fatherhood may have brought adverse health effects to young men, particularly on their psychological well-being.
"Suddenly taking on the combined role of father and breadwinner may have caused considerable psychological and economic stress for a young man," Einiö said.
"Parenting at a young age can be difficult, and it is important that other family members and health professionals recognise that not only young mothers but also young fathers may need support," the lead researcher added.
The study also noted that young fathers were more likely to have habits that are detrimental to their health, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
