Search Here

 It is good news for all working mothers, as new research claims that female bread-winners are healthier at age 40 than those who stay at home.

Assistant Sociology Professor Adrianne Frech and co-author Sarah Damaske of Pennsylvania State University analyzed data of 2,540 women giving  birth for the first time between 1978 and 1995.

After considering facts like pre-pregnancy employment, race/ethnicity, among other, the researchers found that the choices that women make early in their professional careers can affect their health later in life.

It seems that women who start working soon after the delivery reportedly have better mental and physical health, more mobility, energy and lesser depression by the time they are 40.

"Work is good for your health, both mentally and physically," says Frech in the pre release. "It gives women a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, control and autonomy. They have a place where they are an expert on something, and they're paid a wage."

According to Frech, the unemployed mother or those who are persistently unemployed except for taking up job once in a while, need attention, as they appear to be the least healthy at age 40.

 "Struggling to hold onto a job or being in constant job search mode wears on their health, especially mentally, but also physically," says Frech.

Frech further says that working full time has its own benefit when compared to part-time work which offers lower pay, poor chances of promotion, less job security and fewer benefits.

Being unemployed for longer periods of time may be the reason for stre for a lot of women and could cause physical health problems.

"If women can make good choices before their first pregnancy, they likely will be better off health-wise later. Examples of good choices could be delaying your first birth until you're married and done with your education, or not waiting a long time before returning to the workforce." Frech encourage younger women to get an education and build a work history before having a first child.

"Don't let critical life transitions like marriage and parenthood mean that you invest any less in your education and work aspirations, because women are the ones who end up making more trade-offs for family" Frech says. "Work makes you healthier. You will have the opportunity to save a nest egg. Also, should a divorce happen, it is harder to enter the workforce if you don't have a solid work history. Don't give up on work and education."

Frech also suggest that perhaps, offering childcare and transportation to single mothers could provide better employment options for them.