Do childless couples regret it when they reach their 50's?

I thought this would be me. I also thought I would not be a good parent. But my wife really talked me into having a child, and it has been a wonderful, transformative experience. We might have been able to have more but IVF is not a guarantee, emotionally taxing and expensive.

It is really impossible to know how you would react to having your own child. Your own history, hardwired personality, current financial circumstances, and the disposition of your partner all play a roll. I have UK friends who got divorced because they want to, "go to the pub at night, and skiing in Europe on the weekends". They can't stand the lack of freedom.

If one is not sure, volunteer for Big Brothers/Sisters. Young people are worth your time and energy. Anyone can and will benefit from interacting with them.

Why did you respond to this full one year later?

never even looked at the date...

That depends on what you mean by "die alone." I was glad that my mother was with one of my brothers, his wife, and a newborn baby when she passed away. I prayed that she would die in her sleep and she did! My mom deserved the best and I believe she got it.

Some of my relatives call me "lucky" or "the boss" because I have been single for my entire life. However, do not paint them all with the same brush, I doubt any of us truly know how to walk in someone else's shoes and know what they experience.

I’m 69 years old. Childless. …….catless.

I never wanted kids and I knew what it would mean later in life.

I tried to hedge my bets and by some miracle, found my soulmate who also didn’t want kids. She died from something called glioblastoma in 2014.

I tried filling the time up by being a season ticket holder for two pro sports teams. I did that for 10 years then lost interest.

Ive run 105,000 miles since 1977 and my legs are finally trashed… irreparably.

The problem is you can’t fill all the time like people with families must. If you’re destined to be by yourself, the eccentricities associated with the hermit lifestyle are real. There are people for whom the normal social life is unappealing. We exist. ( last movie I went to 1974… never been to a bar, never drank an alcoholic drink..or a dance or anything like that)

You just can’t fill all the time up. Unless you want to go broke…..I dont regret it. I couldn’t imagine having and wouldn’t want a family… but I knew what it meant.

Training filled the time for over 4 decades, RD, volunteer hs coach, 7 years…

Without kids, you'll maintain the motivation to work because you'll be hungry and homeless without a job. There are ways around it (homeless shelter, prison, etc.), but none of them are pleasant.

Also, more money buys fun toys and experiences like boats and international travel. Most people with kids are too busy or poor to enjoy them.

Sincerely,

A childfree guy on letsrun

My Mom used to say: "Family: the best and worst thing that will ever happen to you." There is no guarantee having children will enrich you life or that they'll look out for you when you're old. They may be special needs requiring care their entire life or struggle with drug abuse. Or they may be perfect and life is like a Norman Rockwell painting. I'm a single childless cat lady, and it all worked out fine for me. Your post seems like you are projecting that "something is lacking" onto your friends but you're into too much denial to admit as much to yourself.

Kids are great! My wife and I have three boys (1, 3, 4). Number four is due in April.

My kids are the main force pushing me away from selfishness and towards the fruit of the spirit. Patience. Gentleness. Self-control. Joy. Parenthood is kenosis.

I am in my 50s.

My kids are grown up and on their is own.

I regret that that they are not still young.

I sometimes regret not have been a better parent.

I feel that this "no regrets" attitude is for children.

You are only give one life. Life is sublime and terrible.

"Something is lost and something is gained." With every choice and everyday of life.

You are a fool if you don't cry for the things you have lost. That's as stupid is failing to celebrate the things you have gained.

1. There's no guarantee you'll make it to old age in the first place.

2. A healthy lifestyle and/or good genes can prevent you from being miserable at age 75+. How much assistance did Ed Whitlock need?

3. There may be cures or effective treatments for dementia by the time you reach 75+.

4. There's no guarantee that your kids will take care of you. Even if they're not living far away, they have their own lives and careers as well.

Are you willing to sacrifice 20+ years of your prime just to make your last few months of old age more bearable, assuming it even occurs in the first place?

Not even close! My Parents had six kids and not on of them were there when my parents died. So having kids isn't the be all end all is it--you might end up with no one like my parents did. So your whole hypothesis is bullsh!t!!! I'm in my sixties and have no kids and lived a great life. I spent a lot of time in academia, attaining a PHD in two different disciplines and taught college course for 40 years. I built a nest egg and put together a will. My extended family knows me and how I feel about them. When I go, I will die alone as everyone does, but I know I left my family something. So to answer your BS question about couple in their 50's-----NO REGRETS AT ALL EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!