Working parents feel '11 years older'

Researchers have carried out the study and found that trying to keep on top of both a job and a home life with kids means the average 46-year-old parent will have the fitness and energy levels of a 53-year-old.

But those who stay at home tend to adopt more healthy eating and exercise habits so the average 46-year-old non- working parent will feel four years younger than they actually are. The difference between the two apparent ages is 11 years.

The ageing applies to both women and men though it is still predominantly mothers rather than fathers who are more likely to be stay-at-home parents, leading British newspaper ‘The Daily Telegraph’ reported. A study found working parents drink and smoke more, but exercise and sleep less.