Research shows that meditation, arts engagement, and movement improve memory, lower stress, and build stronger communities. At Generations of Growth, we bring this research to life through programs designed for both youth and seniors.

Why Research Matters at Generations of Growth

We believe every class—whether art, fitness, or mindfulness—should be backed by science.

Research shows that meditation, arts engagement, and movement improve memory, lower stress, and build stronger communities. At Generations of Growth, we bring this research to life through programs designed for both youth and seniors.

Research

Over the past two decades, dozens of neuroscience and psychology studies have demonstrated the measurable impact of meditation and yoga on the brain. Structural MRI scans reveal that long-term meditation practitioners have a thicker hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—areas responsible for memory, decision-making, and learning. One brain imaging study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) further confirmed these findings by mapping increased activity in the prefrontal cortex during mindfulness practice (Figure 1). Researchers found that these structural and functional changes are linked to better cognitive performance, slower age-related decline, and improved emotional regulation.

Figure 1. fNIRS brain imaging scan showing cortical activation in the prefrontal cortex during mindfulness meditation. Highlighted regions indicate increased gray matter density and neural activity associated with attention, memory, and emotional regulation. [7]

In addition to cognitive benefits, mindfulness practices play a major role in reducing stress and improving emotional stability. Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, has been shown to drop by 25–40% after daily meditation sessions, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—a neurotransmitter that promotes calm—increases significantly. In one randomized controlled trial, participants practicing mindfulness meditation reported a 30% decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to a control group. Similarly, studies using creative practices like drawing found significant boosts in self-efficacy: participants rated themselves higher on measures such as “I have good ideas” and “I can solve problems” after drawing-based mindfulness tasks (Figure 2). Brain imaging using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) further confirmed heightened activation in regions tied to calm and focus during meditation sessions. For younger adults, mindfulness training has been linked to better academic outcomes, with students reporting increased focus and fewer feelings of burnout.

Figure 2. Creative self-efficacy scores before and after drawing-based mindfulness activities. Participants showed significant improvement in both “I have good ideas” and “I can solve problems” after the intervention, highlighting the role of mindfulness and creative engagement in building confidence and emotional resilience. [7]

Key Takeaways

Brain Health & Cognitive Function

Long-term meditation and yoga are linked to thicker hippocampus and prefrontal cortex regions, along with greater gray matter density, supporting memory, attention, and decision-making while slowing age-related decline.

Stress Reduction & Emotional Stability

Daily mindfulness lowers cortisol levels by 25–40% and increases calming neurotransmitters like GABA, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression while fostering resilience.

Confidence & Problem-Solving

Creative and mindfulness-based practices, such as drawing, significantly boost self-efficacy, with participants reporting stronger belief in their ideas and problem-solving abilities.

Research

Arts engagement is increasingly recognized as a public health intervention. A 2019 World Health Organization report reviewed over 900 publications and concluded that arts participation enhances both physical and mental well-being, while reducing health inequities. In controlled experiments, participants in visual art sessions reported higher self-efficacy, measured as a 10% increase in confidence and a 15% increase in problem-solving ability after even short workshops. Another large-scale Canadian study found that adults who engaged in weekly creative activities had significantly lower levels of loneliness and depression, and reported a greater sense of purpose in their communities. These findings highlight that art is not just self-expression—it is a form of mental health care that supports resilience and belonging. Visual models of arts engagement show that these benefits occur across multiple levels—from individual to cultural—illustrating its role as a comprehensive health behavior (Figure 1).

For older adults, arts programs provide measurable physical and emotional health benefits. In one community study, 78% of seniors in arts programs reported higher levels of social connection, compared with only 45% in control groups who did not participate. Arts engagement has also been linked to lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability, and stronger immune responses. Importantly, these benefits extend across cultures: research shows that arts activities help reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, providing a safe and accessible way for people to engage in wellness practices regardless of socioeconomic background. For younger participants, collaborative art projects build teamwork and empathy, creating connections across generations.

Figure 1. Arts Engagement is a Health Behavior infographic. This figure illustrates the impact of arts participation at five levels: individual (enhancing confidence and reducing stress), interpersonal (boosting social connection), community (increasing awareness and reducing isolation), policy (improving access through social prescriptions), and cultural (reducing stigma and fostering perspective-taking). Together, these domains demonstrate how arts engagement can serve as a powerful tool for mental health promotion across diverse populations. [2]

Key Takeaways

Boosts Confidence & Problem-Solving

Controlled experiments show that arts engagement increases self-efficacy, with participants reporting a 10% rise in confidence and a 15% improvement in problem-solving skills after short workshops.

Strengthens Social Connection

Arts programs reduce loneliness and depression, with 78% of seniors in arts programs reporting higher social connection compared to 45% in non-participants. Collaborative projects build empathy, teamwork, and intergenerational bonding.

Supports Physical & Emotional Health

Arts engagement is linked to lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability, and stronger immune response. Across cultures, participation helps reduce mental health stigma and provides accessible pathways to resilience and belonging.

Research

Physical activity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and independence, and when paired with mindfulness, it has amplified benefits. Research shows that yoga and movement-based programs improve flexibility by 40% and walking speed by 20% in older adults after just 8 weeks of training. In one trial, seniors practicing yoga rose from a chair 3 seconds faster on average, a functional marker linked to lower fall risk and greater independence. Another study found that tai chi and yoga improved balance and gait while reducing markers of frailty, enabling participants to maintain mobility into later life. These gains in strength and flexibility are critical for preventing hospitalization and preserving quality of life in aging populations.

Figure 1. Normalized knee muscle strength (Nm/kg) during flexion and extension at baseline, 16 weeks, and 32 weeks. Results show significant increases in knee flexion strength at 32 weeks compared to baseline (p < 0.05), supporting improved mobility and stability through long-term training. [12]

Figure 2. Ankle plantar-flexor strength and endurance measured by heel rises (repetitions) at baseline, 16 weeks, and 32 weeks. Endurance improved significantly at both 16 and 32 weeks, with greater increases at 32 weeks (p < 0.001), highlighting the role of structured programs in enhancing lower-limb function. [12]

Beyond physical strength, movement is closely tied to mental and emotional well-being. Studies show that exercise lowers cortisol by about 25%, while simultaneously boosting serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters. These chemical changes support improved mood, reduced stress, and greater emotional stability. For youth, structured fitness programs have been shown to increase executive function scores by 15%, leading to sharper focus, attention, and academic performance. In intergenerational settings, shared fitness activities create unique social bonds: one study found that seniors exercising alongside younger adults reported higher levels of motivation and lower dropout rates compared to seniors-only programs. Together, these findings emphasize that fitness programs are not only about physical health, but also about cultivating joy, resilience, and meaningful connections across generations.

Key Takeaways

Mobility & Independence

Structured programs significantly improve knee strength and ankle endurance, with seniors rising from a chair 3 seconds faster and showing measurable gains in flexibility and walking speed.