Father's Age, Lifestyle, and Offspring Health

Comparing an “older man who takes care of himself” with a “young smoker or heavy drinker” cannot predict a future child’s health. Smoking and excessive alcohol use can impair male fertility, and studies associate some paternal preconception factors with selected offspring risks. Paternal age is also associated with certain reproductive risks. The circumstances of both parents matter; no single trait guarantees healthier offspring. [1–3]