Pathways from parenthood history to later life health: Results from analyses of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

We analysed the extent to which associations between parenthood histories and later life health are mediated by wealth, health-related behaviours, social support and strain. A sample of men and women aged 50+ who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing waves 1-3 was used (n = 6,207). Parenthood history included number of natural children, having adopted or step children and timing of first and last birth. Mediators were wealth, social support and strain, smoking and physical activity. Health outcomes were allostatic load and limiting long-term illness. The path models were adjusted for age, education, marital history, childhood health and intergenerational contacts. The association between a higher number of children and health was mediated by wealth in men and women, and by smoking and social strain in women. The association between having an adopted or step child and health was mediated through wealth. In addition to mediation through wealth, physical activity and smoking, mothers had a direct association between early childbirth and allostatic load. Among fathers, the direct paths from early and late childbirth to health remained, although some of the effects were mediated through wealth and physical activity.