Scientific studies examine the effect of daughters on a father's lifespan
While some past research suggests that having daughters could lengthen fathers' lives, experts emphasize that this is not a definitive rule on its own and that family health is based on much more complex parameters.
Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Nil Sarıçiçek stated that there are past scientific studies suggesting daughters can extend a father's lifespan, but this situation is not a definitive rule and family health relies on multidimensional dynamics.
Findings of Past Research
A notable study published in 2006 revealed a positive correlation between the number of daughters and the lifespan of fathers in a rural population in Poland. Accordingly, researchers reported that for every daughter, the father's lifespan was on average 74 weeks longer.
Data on Mothers and Various Genders
When examined from the perspective of mothers in the same study, it was determined that an increase in the number of both daughters and sons exhibited an inverse relationship with lifespan. This showed that the effects of parental gender and the number of children on long-term health can vary.
Inability to Reach Definitive Conclusions
Experts state that these obtained results cannot be accepted as a definitive rule stating that daughters directly lengthen their father's life. It is clearly seen in subsequent large population studies that this relationship is not verified in the same way.
Fundamental Parameters of Healthy Living
It is stated that the foundations of a healthy life are laid during childhood. Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, gut microbiota, metabolic health, stress response, and environmental exposures are among the many different components affecting lifespan.
Emotional and Interpersonal Support
There is some research suggesting that daughters may establish more emotional and interpersonal support relationships with their parents in adulthood. Studies conducted in China and Taiwan have discussed that the emotional support from daughters may be more beneficial in certain contexts.
Comprehensive Population Study in Norway
In a large registry study conducted on hundreds of thousands of mothers and fathers in Norway in 2017, it was reported that an increase in the number of sons was associated with cardiovascular mortality, particularly in mothers. In the same study, no significant relationship was detected between the gender of the children and cardiovascular mortality rates in fathers.
Necessity of Investigating the Complex Relationship
Dr. Nil Sarıçiçek emphasized that existing data make it imperative to continue investigating the complex link between child gender, pregnancy, maternal physiology, and long-term health rather than drawing simplistic conclusions.