Band 6+: In some countries today, people are having their first child when they are older. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Despite the low rate of birth, particularly in most developed countries, many people today have their first child when they are older. In this essay, I will examine several key reasons for this before arguing that the benefits of having a child at an older age surpass its drawbacks.

One primary reason is that many people nowadays believe that reproduction is not the ultimate goal of marriage. By contrast, the primary motivation that drives the living with a partner is shared conveniences, financial benefits, desire to deepen marital relationship, commitments to build a future together, and even sexual satisfaction. For example, in recent years, many partners in my hometown have had their first baby when their average ages are 40 years. Opposing the religious and traditional perspectives that having a child is a focus of marriage, they prefer to think that happiness and living with a partner itself are the main reasons for marriage. Additionally, the economic burdens often compel people to have a first child at their older age. it seems that having a child is costly, leading many individuals to challenging issues due to the standard of living for a child.

Furthermore, the advantages of having a first child at an older age are that people seemingly can experience various positive consequences of marital life, including self-worth, self-fulfillment, happiness, and intimacy with a partner. In addition, when people have a first child at an older age, they likely have already improved their finances, incomes, and economic life in general, leading them to the best care and responsibility for their child. The opponents of this argument might think that having a first child at an older age is not a good idea because it can cause people to continue working in their old age when their children grow older. Although this argument is valid, it overlooks the fact that many people who have a first child at their very young age have to face the great challenges and difficulties, particularly in terms of economy and financial aspects. By contrast, having a first child at an older age can address this economic issue.

In conclusion, economic restrictions and various preferences of living with a partner are considerable reasons for having a child an older age. Despite its downsides, having a first child when people are older has many benefits for partners and families, outweighing its drawbacks.