Having a religious upbringing might do more than shape a person’s beliefs—it could also support healthier aging, according to new research from the University of Helsinki.
The study analyzed life-course data from more than 10,000 adults aged 50 and older across 28 European countries and found that people who were raised in religious families tended to have better physical health later in life.
Participants who had a faith-based childhood reported fewer problems with daily activities such as dressing, washing, or walking, suggesting that early-life experiences may influence well-being decades later.
The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, comes at a crucial time as the global population ages. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and above is expected to reach 2.1 billion worldwide.
Lead researcher Xu Zong explained that religion often plays a complex role in people’s lives. In many cases, religiosity is more common among families with lower socioeconomic status, who may turn to faith as a way to cope with hardship.
For these families, religious traditions can provide emotional support, social connection, and a sense of stability during difficult times.
However, Zong noted that a religious upbringing may also reflect deeper social inequalities.
“While religion may offer some benefits, it doesn’t necessarily remove the long-term health risks linked to poverty or disadvantage,” Zong said.
The study found that children raised in families with financial struggles, parental mental health issues, or heavy alcohol use were more likely to experience poorer health later in life—even if they had a religious upbringing.
To better understand these complex links, the researchers used advanced machine learning techniques to analyze patterns in the data that traditional methods might miss. They defined a “religious upbringing” as being raised by parents who practiced or taught religious beliefs during childhood.
In postwar Europe, many children grew up in religious households that attended services regularly and emphasized moral teachings. For some, these experiences provided comfort and a strong sense of meaning.
For others, however, they came with emotional pressure or social expectations that persisted into adulthood.
Despite these nuances, the study found a consistent trend: on average, those with a religious childhood were physically healthier and more functional as older adults. Zong emphasized that improving children’s overall well-being—not just their moral or spiritual development—is key to narrowing health inequalities later in life.
“Investing in children’s social and emotional well-being is one of the most effective ways to build a healthier, more equal future,” Zong said. “While faith can offer support, ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment is even more important.”
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