❤️ Childhood family environment significantly impacts midlife health. Research from the University of Turku found that being an only child is linked to a less favourable profile of cardiovascular disease risk factors throughout life.

🚭 Exposure to parental smoking during childhood negatively affects cardiovascular health and cognitive performance even in middle age. Specifically, episodic memory, working memory, and learning were weaker in those exposed to second-hand smoke.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The number of siblings plays a role in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Only children showed higher body mass index and lower physical activity in childhood, leading to higher rates of obesity and high blood pressure in adulthood.

#Health #Research #Finland

🌍 Social Ties Boost Birth Rates: Communities with strong social support and frequent interactions report higher birth rates, even if economic status varies. This suggests social networks can help sustain populations.

📉 Finland's Fertility Decline: Despite robust social welfare programs, Finland's birth rate dropped from 1.87 in 2010 to 1.30 in 2025, falling faster than in neighboring countries.

🤝 Key Social Factors Identified: Higher birth rates were linked to perceived social support and frequent social interactions. Support from partners, relatives, and friends all showed positive associations.

🔬 Young Adults Most Influenced: The connection between social support and higher fertility was strongest for individuals aged 20-39, particularly those in their twenties, suggesting supportive environments are crucial for this group's transition to parenthood.

#Demographics #SocialScience #Finland