Well I was 35 having my first and had more intervention than having my second at 36! I think it's no different to all births actually - doctors are too quick to jump in with intervention that causes more harm than good in many instances. I am not sure if the studies include maternal age, but I know that the statistics currently show that the maternal and baby mortality rate is two times higher with an elective c/s than vaginal birth. I had friends who had their much awaited IVF baby by c/s as they wanted to take the "safe option", sadly people are just not made aware that the risks are actually greater with a surgical delivery. I personally do not think age alone should significantly change this. It would really have to depend on the individual situation I think.