Whether it’s taking a trip to Disneyland or sharing a meal with a loved one, fulfilling a “bucket list” wish near the end of life offers more than fleeting joy. A new study from The University of Texas at Arlington finds it can also improve well-being, strengthen family bonds and bring a sense of peace.

To understand what drives changes in physical activity after cardiovascular diagnosis, scientists performed machine learning analyses on data from 295 adults over 60 years included in the UK Biobank who had been diagnosed with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. These data included brain scans and answers to health surveys and social background questionnaires.

The researchers found that people who increased their physical activity levels long-term after diagnosis tended to have greater access to greenspace and social support than those who got less exercise, factors that make it easier to sustain healthy habits. At a neurological level, the researchers found people with increased brain connectivity between the right superior frontal gyrus and both the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the precuneus showed greater physical activity.

Could a religious upbringing offer a path to healthier ageing? While religion may help those raised in difficult family environments to cope, it cannot fully offset the health risks associated with poverty, parental mental health issues or alcohol consumption.

A new University of Helsinki study analysed life-course data from over 10,000 individuals aged 50 and above across 28 European countries. The findings suggest that those with a religious upbringing tend to enjoy better physical health in later life and report fewer difficulties with daily activities such as dressing or washing.