In a significant shift in demographic trends, England and Wales have observed a notable increase in the number of babies born to fathers aged 60 and above. According to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), births to fathers in this age group rose by an impressive 14.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This surge amounts to 1,076 babies being born to older dads out of a total of 594,677 live births recorded in both regions.
This increase in births, particularly among older fathers, comes amid a broader trend of declining birth rates. The total number of births in England in 2024 marked a slight uptick—the first increase observed since 2021—whereas births with at least one parent born abroad also increased, reflecting the ever-diversifying demographic fabric of England and Wales. For instance, it was reported that in England, 40.4% of births involved parents who were born outside of the UK, climbing from 38.2% the previous year.
The rise in older fatherhood can be largely perceived against the backdrop of changing societal norms where family planning is often delayed. Prominent figures like Rod Stewart, who welcomed a child at the age of 65, Robert De Niro at 79, and Al Pacino, who expressed the joys of fatherhood even at 80, have brought this phenomenon into public consciousness. Such examples serve as testament to the notion that many men are pursuing fatherhood later in life, which challenges traditional assumptions around fertility and the ideal age for parenthood.
Professor Allan Pacey, an expert in male fertility, shed more light on the dynamics behind this trend. He stated that men aged over 40 are approximately half as fertile compared to those in their mid-20s, raising intrigue regarding how older men are achieving fatherhood despite reduced biological vigor. Accompanying this rise in older fathers is a corresponding downturn in births to younger parents, particularly those under 30, indicating that many people are opting to wait longer before starting families.
In England, 2024 saw a slight increase in live births with 567,708 births, reflecting a 0.7% rise in the overall population. Contrastingly, Wales reported a decline in live births, totaling 26,832—a decrease of 2% from the previous year. Greg Ceely, the head of population health monitoring at ONS, underscored the significance of this upward trend in births in England, which diverges from global patterns showing a fall in birth rates.
However, the demographic analysis reveals a troubling observation: while the overall number of births increased, the decline among younger parents, particularly those under the age of 30, is substantial. The steepest drop—nearly 5%—occurred among those under 20 years of age. This raises questions about economic factors that may be influencing family planning decisions, with rising costs of living often cited as barriers to having children. Reports suggest that one in three fathers do not take paternity leave due to financial constraints, prompting a government review of parental leave policies.
In relation to the increase in births to parents born outside the UK, India remains the top country of birth among non-UK parents, continuing a trend seen for three consecutive years. This global context emphasizes the continually changing landscape of family structures within England and Wales.
Finally, trends in the timing of births revealed that Boxing Day (26 December) has consistently been the least popular day for births over the past twelve years, while February 23 emerged as the day with the most births. Tuesday stood out as the most favorable day for deliveries, contrasting with weekends which tend to report fewer births.
In conclusion, the rise in the number of births to fathers over 60 in England and Wales underscores evolving family dynamics steeped in societal, economic, and biological implications. As more older fathers enter the realm of parenthood alongside ongoing shifts in younger parental trends, it challenges historical norms and beckons deeper reflections on future familial expectations and support systems.
