Myth or Reality: Should You Have Fewer Children to Live Longer?

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have demonstrated that the number of children a woman has directly impacts her aging rate and life expectancy. Analyzing DNA data and blood samples from 14,836 women, the study - published in Nature Communications - found that mothers of five or more children, as well as women with no children at all, tend to age faster biologically than those with a smaller number of children.

The results indicate that women with two or three children are prone to the longest lifespans and experience slower biological aging. In contrast, those with more than four children face accelerated aging and a higher risk of a shortened lifespan. Timing also plays a role: giving birth too early (before age 24) places additional strain on the body. Scientists identified the period between 24 and 38 years old as the optimal window for pregnancy in terms of longevity.

The "Life History Theory"

Researcher Mikaela Hukkanen explains this phenomenon through the 20th-century "life history theory." The core idea is that the body has limited resources. When a significant amount of energy is invested in reproduction, less is available for internal maintenance and cellular repair. This biological "trade-off" eventually leads to faster physical wear and tear.
Predicting Aging with Epigenetic Clocks

The breakthrough of this study lies in the use of epigenetic clocks. By analyzing DNA from blood samples, researchers determined the actual "wear and tear" level of cells. The findings showed that both multi-child mothers and childless women often had a biological age higher than their chronological (passport) age. According to lead researcher Miina Ollikainen, these biological markers can predict premature aging decades before death occurs.

Why Do Childless Women Age Faster?

A surprising finding was that childless women also aged more rapidly than those with a few children. Scientists suggest this may be due to factors beyond reproduction, such as lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, or a lack of social support in later life.

Researchers emphasize that these findings represent patterns at a population level and should not dictate individual life choices. Modern medicine and social support systems are increasingly capable of mitigating these biological "costs," allowing women to lead long, healthy lives regardless of their number of children.