O.k while I have never been in this situation myself my aunty was an older mum & this subject as always interested me so I have read different things.

As I understand it you don't 'have' to have any tests, obviously with your age this is one that is highly recommended. The only advantage I see in these tests is that you can either prepare yourself better because you know bub has down syndrome or you have the choice to abort. If this test comes back with a high possibility the next step is the more invasive test which also have a risk of miscarriage. So if you don't want to have the tests I wouldn't, atm I wouldn't have the tests if I was in your situation either.

Goodluck with your decision & congragulations on your pregnancy.