Third Age: Cowell joining older dads club could be beneficial to him and baby

Simon Cowell, the man, who had always said he was “too selfish’’ to have children, is apparently going to become a daddy at the age of 53. No wonder he is “freaked out’’ by the news.

For years, Cowell, the multi-millionaire music mogul and ‘X-Factor’ judge, has insisted there was simply no room in his perfect life for a child.

“God no, I couldn’t have children. If I had them here drawing on the walls I’d go nuts. With kids you’ve got a routine you can’t escape from. You’ve got to be up at a certain time. You have got to listen. When all you want to do is sit in a corner thinking,’’ he said in 2009.

Indeed, his perfect life will never be the same again.

The mother-to-be, Lauren Silverman, 36, is a New York socialite and already has a seven-year-old son with her estranged husband. Cowell has also been cited in their divorce battle.

Perhaps Cowell will take some comfort from the fact he is not alone in the older fathers club. Paul McCartney became a new father at 61, Rod Stewart was 66, Rupert Murdoch an impressive 72.

And PJ Mara, Fianna’s Fáil’s former director of elections, became the latest recruit in June, at the age of 71.

Cowell might also be pleased to read the latest research from the US that suggests older dads are actually better at fathering because they are often more involved in the rearing of the child, they are more affectionate, and have more patience.

“These men are visible and want to be actively involved in raising junior and that is a huge plus to the kiddos.’’ explains Dr Michele Borba, an American child expert.

“One of the highest correlations of children who do well in life is that they had actively involved fathers in their lives.

“Kids with involved dads generally have higher self-esteem, more confidence, are more secure, handle stress better, and display more empathy.’’

Val Mullally, a parent coach and author, agrees, pointing out that men’s testosterone levels drop as they get older, making them more easygoing.

“My husband and I were young parents, and now that he is a grandfather he often says he wishes he could have had the balance that he has in his life now when our children were growing up,’’ she says.

Obviously there are disadvantages to being an older father too, particularly the lack of energy. But Mullally suggests that they should focus on all the things they can do with their children.

“With age you are getting wisdom and life experience. Even if you are not able to kick a ball to the same extent, you can still have fun. My advice is to give your children experiences rather than things,’’ she says.

“It is so easy to think, ‘Oh I must buy them the best of everything,’ but the experiences you can give them as a parent are the greatest gifts ever.’’

Although Cowell has privately insisted he will support and provide for his child, due around Valentine’s Day, he still does not sound like a man ready to settle down and enjoy family life.

In an interview, just after his child was conceived, Cowell again admitted he hates routine and prefers his own company. “Being on my own is the best thing in the world. It’s like breathing in oxygen. I can really switch off,’’ he said.

“I’m fine as I am I think that when you get into a rut, it get’s boring. No matter how big your house is, you are going to end up on the same sofa, in the same bed or in the same room as a person. You are going to get bored. It’s a boring routine.’’

Welcome to the real world, Simon.