Aging fatherhood in Finland – first-time fathers in Finland from 1987 to 2009

Abstract

Aim: The increase in maternal age has been well documented in Western societies, but information on paternal age trends is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in age and other background characteristics of first-time fathers in Finland in the period 1987–2009. Materials and methods: A random 60% sample of first-time fathers in each year from 1987 to 2009 was obtained from Statistics Finland ( n=344,529). Five-year intervals were used (three years in 1987–1989). Sociodemographic characteristics of older first-time fathers (⩾40 years) were compared over time using logistic regression. In the logistic regression, immigrants were excluded from the study population as they may have had children before migrating to Finland. Results: The mean age of first-time fathers increased from 28.7 to 30.4 years in 1987–2009. The change was greatest in the Capital Region and smallest in Northern and Eastern Finland. Fatherhood at the age of ⩾40 years doubled from 3.1% to 6.8%. From 2005 to 2009, men who lived in rural areas and the Capital Region, had a long education, were divorced or widowed, had been born in a rural area and were native Finnish speakers, were more likely than other men to be old when they became fathers. Conclusions: During the study period, the average age of first-time fathers increased by two years. Further studies are needed to examine whether delays in first-time fatherhood affect fertility, child health and the use of social and health services.