A recent study has found that compared to 2 children, having 3 or more of them has a negative effect on brain health later in life. Both for women and men. At least in Northern Europe.

To find this out, the researchers analyzed information from the participants (aged 65+) of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). They also came up with several explanations for their finding.

Having 3 or more children, from financial point of view, decreases the standard of living and possibly causes financial worries, which could contribute to cognitive decline at older age. Moreover, parents with more than 3 children can experience more stress, have less time to relax and invest in cognitively stimulating leisure activities, including sleep. And don’t forget that because of more children, women don’t have an opportunity to work longer. The last one stimulates the brain and maintains its active and healthy state.

Of course, we can’t deny that having 3 or more children has, at least, one big advantage. It decreases the risk of social isolation while getting older, which is one of the key risk factors for brain health issues and dementia.

Curious? HERE is the source