A recent study from the University of Helsinki suggests a correlation between the number of children a woman has and her lifespan and biological aging rate. Researchers found that having no children or an excessive number of children may be associated with a shorter lifespan and faster biological aging.
The findings align with evolutionary biology theories, such as the disposable soma theory, which posits a trade-off between resources allocated to reproduction and those for bodily maintenance and repair. Biologist Mikaela Hukkanen explained that significant energy investment in reproduction could reduce resources for longevity mechanisms.
The comprehensive study analyzed data from 14,836 women, focusing on childbearing history and mortality. Participants were categorized into seven groups based on the number and timing of live births. Individuals with no children or those with a high number of children (averaging 6.8) exhibited poorer biological aging markers and increased mortality risk.
Conversely, women with an average of two to three children, and those who had pregnancies between ages 24 and 38, showed the lowest markers for biological aging and mortality risk.
Epigeneticist Miina Ollikainen noted that individuals biologically older than their chronological age face a higher risk of death, and these life history choices leave a measurable biological imprint. While the study highlights associations, researchers emphasize that it does not prove direct cause and effect and should not guide personal decisions about childbearing.