How did your health influence your decision to become an "Old Man Dad"?
I see quite a few posts that throw around hard-and-fast numbers about when a guy should stop having kids. But it seems to me that one's individual health status is just as important than your chronological age.
I'm mostly speaking to the guys who had kids in their 40s and beyond: Were there any particular ailments that you decided should not be an impediment to having kids? Or were there health concerns that made you decide that you should stop having kids?
I'm mid 40s with a 5 and a 9 year old. We started trying for #3 in 2022 via IVF but kept running into setbacks -- both with the process itself and in our personal lives.
I was in perfect health in 2022, but since the that time, I have developed some minor aches and pains but no serious conditions. I'm still very active but not as active as I was 5 years ago. I have some occasional low back pain and a non-surgical meniscal tear in one knee that will may eventually lead to knee arthritis (could happen in 5 years or maybe never, no way too know).
Generally, the people in my family live active independent lives into their 80s. My dad had me at 48 and was in great health until 80, so older parenthood has always seemed kind of normal to me.
I know that perfect health isn't a requisite for anyone to have kids. But I'm just interested to hear the thought processes of other guys who were in a similar situation: Overall good health but certainly beginning to age.
We really want another kid but also want to be responsible.