Do Childfree People Regret It Later in Life? Let’s Talk About It (Before We All Turn 80)

If you're living childfree or thinking about it you've probably heard some variation of this line:

“But what if you regret it when you’re old?”

It’s the unofficial theme song of every concerned coworker, parent, or random Facebook commenter who just can’t believe someone would voluntarily opt out of diaper duty. But let’s take a closer look at this eternal question: Do childfree people regret being childfree?

🧠 The Reality Check: What Does the Research Say?

Here’s the short answer: Most childfree people do not regret it. A study published in PLOS ONE (2022) found that over 20% of U.S. adults identify as childfree, and the vast majority report no regret—even later in life. In fact, many report higher life satisfaction than parents.

In fact, regret seems to be more commonly reported by parents—particularly those who felt pressured into the role, or those who underestimated how much raising a child would actually cost (both financially and emotionally). So while fulfilling for many—isn't the golden ticket to happiness that society makes it out to be.

🕰️ “But What About When You're Old?”

Ah yes, the haunting image of dying alone in a nursing home, which people somehow assume only happens to the childfree. Spoiler alert: having kids doesn’t guarantee a built-in elder care plan. Plenty of elderly parents never hear from their adult children unless it’s tax season or they’ve accidentally liked a political meme.

What does improve quality of life in old age?
✅ A strong social circle
✅ Financial independence
✅ A sense of purpose

If you build a fulfilling life with hobbies, friendships, and a good long-term care plan, you’re already ahead of the curve, whether you have kids or not.

😂 Regret, But Make It Relatable

Let’s be honest: we all regret things sometimes. I regret bangs in 2012 and trusting that one IKEA shelf. But my lack of offspring? Not even top ten.

Some people regret not traveling more. Others regret not learning Spanish or starting that sock business. Regret isn’t exclusive to life without children. It’s just part of the human experience. And you can experience it without stepping on a Lego.

🧩 Your Life, Your Blueprint

The childfree path isn’t the road less traveled—it’s just differently paved. For some, it’s full of brunch, passport stamps, and sleeping in until 10. For others, it’s about focusing on careers, volunteering, creative passions, or just the radical joy of having their time belong to them.

Do childfree people regret it?
Some might. But most don’t.
And if we do, we'll regret it on a beach in Portugal with a glass of wine and zero soccer practice to attend.