US singer Billy Joel has announced that he is to become a dad again at the ripe old age of 68 – and this has, of course, sparked up the debate of when is too old to become a father again.
Women, clearly, are limited in their ability to become parents in later life thanks to Mother Nature.
But men can, in theory, spread their seed and gift the next generation until the day they drop dead.
But just because you can, does it mean you should? Is it selfish – and irresponsible – to become a father in the winter years of one’s life?
What impact does it have on the child who will clearly have to deal with loss and grief earlier in their lives than most others?
Good Morning Britain tackled the debate head on this morning, inviting in legendary silver swordsman Peter Stringfellow to fight the older father’s corner.
The millionaire club owner is 77 years old and sired two small people in the past half-decade – he has daughter Rosa Bella, four, and son Angelo, two.
Speaking about becoming a dad in his 70s, he admitted: “It was my wife’s idea and I went along with it. We had Rosa Bella four years ago and then Angelo. I am the happiest man in the world.
He refused to be drawn on whether he would have another, admitting: “I think two is perfect, but you never know.”
Richard Madeley, stand-in host, then informed him that approximately two thirds of the show’s following on social media who were joining in the debate didn’t think geriatric dads were a good idea.
Some viewers had experienced the death of older parents when they were still children, and found the experience – understandably – harrowing; some had ended up carers and had been profoundly affected by this.
But Peter isn’t concerned about this.
“I am unique, different, my family life is different,” he said. “No one will be a carer for me, my kids will have a wonderful life.
“I’m not going yet, but when I do, I am leaving them with a wonderful mother, and they will be financially set for the rest of their lives.
“I have almost 18,000 photos, there are lots of memories. When the time comes they will remember me with great affection. I will have given them a great start in life.”
And he was defiant when a psychologist discussed the issues of anxiety in the offspring of older parents – they are forced to deal with the fear of separation and loss far sooner than the average child; and of the anxiety of being different from their peers.
“I go pick up child at school, i see none of that stuff,” he argued. “This is a new era. My little girl is full of personality, I see no anxiety.
“We will live our life, which is wonderful, and I won’t introduce them to the idea of anxiety.”
Richard reasoned that “losing a parent often has nothing to do with age” as he lost his own young father when he was just 14.
Peter was undeniably full of beans, but celebrities tend to be pretty exceptional human beings… could your average 70-year-old cope with babies and toddlers?