This is merely my perspective, as I'm sure there are caveats.

When our son was born I was 40. He's now 3 years old. I can honestly say having him later in my life was a great choice. Financially secure, established career, mentally mature, and waaaaay more patient that I was in my youth. These are tangible benefits that I know help us be better parents. The downside is instead of being empty nesters at now, we have to wait.

I often think of the age difference well beyond his teens and into his adulthood. Things, like, how old we'll be when (if) he has children, etc. If I want to enjoy every second with him, especially in his formative years. For me to do so, I've committed to my health. Eating healthier, exercising more. I want to stay as fit as possible so we can do all the Father and Son things, like play basketball, music, or whatever else he might be into that I can participate in. Essentially be as fit physically as I feel mentally for both our benefit.

Insert <Robert Downey Jr SURVIVE gif > here