A new study suggests that the number children a woman has might affect her rate ageing and her lifespan. Research the University of Helsinki Finland found that women who had five children or more, or no children, aged faster than those who had a small number kids. Researcher Mikaela Hukkanen said: " an evolutionary biology perspective, organisms have limited resources, such as time and energy. When a large amount energy is invested reproduction, it is taken away bodily maintenance and repair mechanisms, which could reduce lifespan." She added that the finding shorter lifespans women who never gave birth was "surprising".
The researchers used historical data their analysis parenthood and ageing. They analysed the health data 14,836 women. Researchers examined DNA data and blood samples, then modelled the effects reproduction women's rates of ageing and longevity. Ms Hukkanen postulated that having a smaller number pregnancies could have favourable effects a mother's health. One benefit is a possible lower risk breast and ovarian cancer. However, the "wear and tear" and physical demands of multiple childbirths can negate this lowered risk. Another factor that could increase longevity is the increased social support a mother receives the state for having children.
