Study finds fulfilling ‘bucket list’ wishes improves end-of-life care

By Stephen Beech

Achieving "bucket list" ambitions adds meaning to the final days of terminally ill patients, suggests new research.

Fulfilling end-of-life wishes boosts well-being, family bonds and closure, according to the findings.

Whether it’s taking a trip to Paris or sharing a meal with loved ones, fulfilling a “bucket list” wish near the end of life offers more than just fleeting joy, say American scientists.

Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington found it can also improve well-being, strengthen family ties and bring a sense of peace.

Study co-author Swasati Handique said: “In end-of-life and hospice care, we usually think about person-centred care in terms of treatment preferences and outcomes.

“But we frequently overlook the personal milestones or goals individuals may wish to achieve before they die.”

The research team reviewed more than 2,200 articles on end-of-life care published between 2000 and 2024 for the study.

Of those, only 11 directly examined the impact of fulfilling last wishes.

The findings identified four consistent benefits of wish-fulfillment programmes: improved holistic well-being, strengthened family bonds, cultivated gratitude, and greater collaboration among families, health care providers and organisations.

Study co-author Professor Michael Bennett said: “When someone gets to check an item off their bucket list, it’s more than just a joyful moment; it can have a lasting impact.

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“For families, fulfilling a dream often becomes a cherished shared memory.

"Some even described it as being as special as a wedding or the birth of a child.”

The researchers found that the experiences extend beyond happiness and a sense of closure - they can also help caregivers provide more compassionate end-of-life care.

Bennett added: “When care providers talk with people about their hopes, dreams or last wishes, they can better understand what matters most and shape care around those priorities."

In some cases, he said, fulfilling a wish even led to fewer hospital visits, reducing health care costs.

And, for families, it helped resolve long-standing conflicts and fostered emotional healing.

The study, published in the journal Palliative and Supportive Care, also found that many wishes can be fulfilled with little or no cost.

The researchers said that such experiences are often simple yet deeply meaningful - such as playing a favourite song or decorating a hospital room in a patient’s favourite colours.

Handique, a doctoral candidate at Arlington’s School of Social Work, said: “These moments can help ease regrets and offer closure before the end of life."

She added, “Wish-fulfillment interventions represent a powerful tool in enhancing dignity and holistic experiences for terminally ill patients.

“Future research efforts could strengthen programs ensuring every individual is able to achieve a sense of peace, fulfillment and closure during their care trajectory.”