My grandparents were all in their late 30s or early 40s when they had my parents (on both sides) due to immigration to the usa, world war II and various other events so even though my parents were in their mid-20s when I was born my grandparents were older - I still have alot of good memories with them even though all had passed by the time I was through college. My younger siblings have fewer memories. I think that alot of people in the generation before the boomers waited to have kids due to all of the upheaval in the world at that time so this is not a brand new occurrence

My parents died when I was 8 and 22, respectively, so no, it was not great or well thought out, and I have a very strained relationship with my extended family, including siblings. I resent my parents for having me at an advanced age and the misery of my childhood, and having to navigate adulthood entirely on my own.

My grandfather was the first child of 41 and 51 year old parents. He and my grandmother both married at 30 and my dad was born 14 years later. He and my mom were both the youngest children of large families. My dad recalled being left to his own devices pretty much. I grew up not realizing grandparents could be quite young.

I knew someone in college whose mom was almost 50 when she was born (only child) and her dad in his 70s. They were both still living when I knew her. She was a very quiet person.

My mom had me at 41 when that was basically unheard of (I'm 41 now). Dad was 38. It was very obvious growing up when I was in grade school--where I was at, parents just weren't that old and at that point people that age in the communities I lived in were becoming grandparents. Sometimes my parents were confused for grandparents.

I did get to know my own grandparents (though my dad was estranged from his dad). Had very close relationships with all of them though grandpa died when I was four--the grandmas lived until I was in college (89 years old) and the other one right before I got married in my late 20s (99!!). Sharp as tacks until the end.

My parents are in pretty good health (though dad had cancer in elementary school which definitely was scary for me), particularly my mother. Still own and maintain the house we grew up in. Still drive. Still travel. Can watch the children/keep up with them when they visit. I feel very lucky.

They were and still are excellent parents. I think they really got to live whole lives before they settled down (even though I was an oops baby, they met later in life and had their first in their early 30s which was considered old at THAT time). Tbh I think that lessened their likelihood of divorce which was commonplace when I was growing up. I realize I may not get as much time with them as other children, nor will my own kids. But I have been so happy with the time I have had and nothing is ever a guarantee.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t have personal experience but I am on a caregivers’ forum and the threads from younger kids of elderly parents regularly pop up and it’s heartbreaking when you are 20 and have to care for a 70 yo senior with cognitive decline and physical health issues.

I mean, being 70 and having cognitive decline isn’t the norm.

I should’ve said “in their 20s” and “in their 70s” respectively. Many ppl 70+ are essentially old, in body and mind. Especially the simpler, blue collar folks.

it was awesome. I had great parents. they died on the younger side, but I think that was bad luck - not because they had kids later in life.