Friday December 15 1:42 PM ET Childless Adults Just As Content As Parents By AliciaMarie Belchak NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Later in life, people who wanted to have children but could not are just as content with their lives as their counterparts who are parents, results of a study suggest. The only difference seems to be that childless adults lead more active social lives than those with grown children, according to a recent survey. The study of 854 Florida retirees found that those without children participated more frequently in clubs and organizations, travel, exercise and sporting activities than elderly parents did. Overall, 72% had children, 21% were childless, and 7% said they were never married or married too late to have children. In terms of self-esteem, psychological well-being and life satisfaction, those with children and those who were involuntarily childless matched equally well. ``This study suggests that childless older adults are able to compensate by using other network resources (for social interaction),'' said Dr. Melinda Forthofer, a researcher at the University of South Florida. ``It suggests that we shouldn't assume that people who can't have children can't have full and satisfying lives.'' The survey results, presented at a recent meeting of the American Public Health Association, challenge previous ideas about the well-being of childless adults later in life and offer some consolation to those currently struggling with infertility problems. ``There's an assumption that childlessness represents a major thwarting of a significant life goal, and that there would be a negative psychosocial impact on these individuals,'' Forthofer told Reuters Health. Adult children play an important role in the social networks of older parents and provide physical and emotional support, she pointed out. Their absence could put adults at a disadvantage for social interaction and support. However, ``this study shows that in many cases, there were no differences between the childless and those who were parents in terms of psychosocial well-being and life satisfaction,'' Forthofer said. The survey findings may provide some solace for couples faced with infertility problems, she noted. ``For those who earlier in their lives are asking 'how can I get through this (infertility),' the study I've just finished shows that most people get past it quite well,'' Forthofer said. ''The social networks of the childless can be just as rich, just as full, as parents.'' You mean I can actually LIVE without children and keep my sanity? I feel so blessed and humbled. Thank you medical world for supporting me in my pathetic childless adulthood. ------------------ Mmmmmmm. Sacrelicious.
As a point of clarification, Jeff, are you involuntarily childless? ------------------ Behad Sergeant at Arms of the Clutch BBS
Jeff I am 30 years old...with no children. I used to be with someoe for eight years, and we made the decision to not have children. (She had a terrible childhood, and thus was completely put off it.) In regards your personal life...it's entirely your decision...and no refelection whatsoever should be ever cast on anyone who choses not to have kids. Now...I am about to get Married in two weeks to a wonderful lady (I am a damm lucky bloke!) and she really wants kids. Thus, I have given it some considerable thought and concluded that it would be a beautiful thing to share with her. It's actually pretty exciting to even imagine it now. However, whether we do...or don't...will be entirely our decison, based on what sort of future we could give the child and what sort of environment we can offer. That will be the reasons...not some sort of 'social demand'. If you have chosen to not have kids, then all power to you. It's your decision. If you can't have kids...for medical reasons...then why not consider adoption? I have a friend who was adopted and it's the most brilliant, loving, family I have ever met. ------------------
I choose to have kids. Now, if I could just find someone who'll go out with me....... ------------------ My dream job is to be a Houston Rockets towel boy.
My wife and I have chosen not to have children though I'm sure we could. If we wanted kids, however, we would likely consider adoption over having our own mainly because there are so many needy children. I feel terrible for those who cannot have kids but want them, but I also encourage adoption. However, to be a parent is maybe the greatest thing a human can do and I have the utmost respect for parents. I just hate the pressure society places on people to have children. The very fact that someone actually thought that a study like this was necessary to prove we adults who choose not to have children can amazingly enough have full and meaningful lives is a prime example of that pressure. ------------------ Mmmmmmm. Sacrelicious.
Hmmm . . . Well, if you don't have children, I would think you would have a bigger social life. Doesn't take much gumption to figure that out. ------------------ its all good and fun till someone gets hurt ... then its absolutely hilarious!
