PRE-WRITING: LATE PARENTHOOD

In some countries today, many people decide to have their first child when they are older. What are the
reasons? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

➢ TASK ANALYSIS:
Questions for discussion:
• Which countries are facing this problem?
• Is having a child expensive?
• Do you think having a child is important?
• What does it take to become a good parent?

QUESTION ANALYSIS: What are the reasons? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

OUTLINE THE ESSAY:

Body 1:

Body 2:

➢ PARAPHRASE:

synonyms word forms

opt to ___________ a family later in life. delayed parenthood

delay____________ (parent) until they are more mature. later-stage parenting
become parents when they are in their later years. delayed _____________ (bear)
____________ starting a family until they are more advanced in age. advanced-age child-bearing
give _____________ (born) to their initial child at an advanced age

step into parenthood later in life

VIDEO TO WATCH: Why China's population is shrinking

 ➢ READING MATERIALS:
"Delayed Parenthood Trends in Japan and Italy: Causes and Consequences"
In both Japan and Italy, a striking shift in family planning has
emerged, with individuals and couples increasingly opting to
have their first child at a later stage in life. In Japan, the
phenomenon is driven primarily by economic considerations. The
nation's high living costs, coupled with job insecurity, prompt

many to delay parenthood until they achieve greater financial

stability. This is further exacerbated by Japan's aging population
and workforce shortages, which contribute to a prevailing sentiment that couples
should prioritize their careers before starting a family. In contrast, Italy's delayed parenthood trend is influenced
by a combination of cultural and lifestyle factors. Italian youth place a strong emphasis on personal growth, travel,
and career development, often deferring parenthood until their late 30s or even early 40s. Gender equality and a
desire for work-life balance also play significant roles. While these choices reflect evolving societal norms, they
raise concerns about declining birth rates and the potential long-term implications for these countries' economies
and social structures.
QUESTIONS:

1. What drives delayed parenthood in Japan, and why is economics a significant factor?
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2. Why do Italian youth defer parenthood until their late 30s or 40s. What cultural and lifestyle factors are behind this trend?

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VOCABS:
1. Parenthood (noun): The state of being a parent, including the responsibilities and challenges associated
with raising children.
2. Cultural (adjective): Relating to the customs, beliefs, and practices of a particular group or society.
3. Workforce (noun): The group of people who are employed by a particular company, industry, or nation
and are available for work.
4. Economies (noun): The systems of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within
a region or country.
5. Sentiment (noun): A general feeling or attitude about something.

6. Norms (noun): Accepted standards or patterns of behavior within a society.

Collocations:
1. Cultural factors: Refers to the various elements of culture, such as traditions, values, and beliefs, that
influence behavior and decisions.

2. Work-life balance: The equilibrium between one's career or work commitments and personal life, including
family and leisure activities.
3. Financial stability: Refers to a situation where an individual or family has a secure financial foundation and
is not facing economic instability or insecurity.
4. Population aging: The process by which the proportion of elderly people in a population increases, often
due to declining birth rates and longer life expectancy.
5. Social structures: The organized patterns of relationships, roles, and institutions that make up a society.
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"Health Risks of Delayed Parenthood: Impact on Mothers and Children"

Choosing to have a child at an older age can have notable health
drawbacks for both mothers and their offspring. For mothers, advanced
maternal age is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy

complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and an

increased likelihood of requiring a cesarean section. Older mothers may
also experience a more challenging recovery after childbirth. Furthermore, the risk of genetic disorders and
chromosomal abnormalities in babies born to older mothers is elevated. These conditions can lead to lifelong
health challenges for the child. For the child, having older parents can sometimes mean a generational gap that

might result in a less active and involved family life. Additionally, as parents age, they may face challenges in
keeping up with the physical demands of raising young children. While delayed parenthood is a personal choice
influenced by various factors, it's essential for prospective parents to consider these potential health risks and
make informed decisions regarding the timing of starting a family.
QUESTIONS:
What health risks are associated with delayed parenthood for mothers, and why do these risks increase with
advanced maternal age?
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Why might children born to older parents experience a generational gap, and what are the potential
consequences of this gap for family dynamics and child development?
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Vocabulary:
1. Maternal age (noun): The age of a mother when she gives birth to a child.
2. Complications (noun): Medical problems or issues that arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

3. Gestational diabetes (noun): A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can lead to health
complications for both the mother and baby.
4. Hypertension (noun): High blood pressure, a condition that can lead to various health problems.
5. Cesarean section (noun): A surgical procedure to deliver a baby when a natural vaginal birth is not feasible or safe.

6. Genetic disorders (noun): Inherited conditions caused by abnormalities or mutations in an individual's

genes.
7. Chromosomal abnormalities (noun): Irregularities in the number or structure of chromosomes, which can
lead to developmental issues.
8. Generational gap (noun): A significant age difference between parents and their children, often resulting
in differences in interests, values, and cultural references.
Collocations:
1. Health risks: Refers to potential dangers or threats to one's well-being, in this context related to pregnancy
and childbirth.
2. Recovery after childbirth: The period of time and process during which a mother's body heals and returns
to its pre-pregnancy state after giving birth.

3. Lifelong health challenges: Persistent health issues or conditions that affect an individual throughout their life.

4. Family life: The daily experiences, interactions, and relationships within a family.
5. Physical demands: The physical tasks and requirements associated with raising children.

"The Global Economic Impact of Delayed Parenthood"

Numerous countries across the world are experiencing economic
repercussions due to delayed parenthood trends. In advanced
economies like Germany and South Korea, where couples
increasingly delay having their first child, there are concerns about
the long-term effects on the labor force and social programs. In Germany, the aging population is leading to a
shortage of skilled workers, potentially hindering economic growth. Similarly, South Korea faces a rapidly aging
population and a diminishing workforce, which may strain pension systems and healthcare resources. Meanwhile,
in China, where delayed parenthood is driven by factors like urbanization and career aspirations, there are
concerns about the potential economic burden of caring for an aging population without a sufficient working-
age cohort to support it. These trends underline the importance of addressing the economic consequences of
delayed parenthood on both national and global scales.
QUESTIONS:
Why are labor forces and social programs of advanced economies like Germany and South Korea at risk?
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Why is China concerned about the economic consequences of delayed parenthood?
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Vocabulary:
1. Repercussions (noun): Unintended consequences or effects that result from a particular action or trend.
2. Labor force (noun): The total number of people who are employed or available for employment in a
country or region.
3. Social programs (noun): Government initiatives and services designed to provide support and assistance
to citizens in various aspects of life, such as healthcare and social welfare.
4. Aging population (noun): A demographic shift characterized by a higher proportion of elderly individuals
within a population.
5. Pension systems (noun): Government or employer-sponsored programs that provide financial support to
retirees.

6. Healthcare resources (noun): The personnel, facilities, and funding available to provide healthcare services
to a population.
7. Urbanization (noun): The process of population migration from rural areas to urban centers, often driven
by factors like industrialization and economic opportunities.
8. Working-age cohort (noun): A group of individuals within a population who are of an age suitable for
employment.

Collocations:
1. Long-term effects: Refers to consequences or impacts that extend over an extended period, often years or
decades.
2. Economic growth: The expansion of a country's economy, typically measured by indicators such as GDP
(Gross Domestic Product).
3. Sustainability of social programs: The ability of government-supported initiatives to continue functioning
effectively and providing necessary services.
4. Demographic shift: A significant change in the composition and distribution of a population, often related
to factors like birth rates and age distribution.
5. Allocation of resources: The distribution or assignment of available resources, such as funds or personnel, to

various sectors or needs.