My parents had me later in life. I was determined not to repeat history (opens original article in a new tab)

Julie, who had older parents, took on caregiving responsibilities early in life and had children before 40 to avoid similar challenges, influenced by her experience of being a 'surprise baby' in an older family.

• Julie had older parents, with her father aged 51 and mother 40 when she was born.
• Julie took on a carer role for her parents in her 20s, which lasted over two decades.
• Julie had children before age 40 to avoid the challenges she experienced with her older parents.
• Julie felt the experience of having older parents shaped her life and caregiving responsibilities.