For Immediate Release: November 3, 2025
Contact: Mary Maude Davis | 615.780.3373 | MaryMaude.Davis@FinnPartners.com
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Goodwin Living™ and researchers from George Mason University recently announced new findings that demonstrate measurable benefits for older adults who participate in StrongerMemory, an innovative brain health program. Across three studies, participants who practiced StrongerMemory showed improvement in memory, focus and emotional well-being, as well as increased social connection and purpose.
Developed by Goodwin Living, StrongerMemory is a simple, 30-minute, daily program that engages the brain through reading aloud, writing by hand and completing basic math exercises. The program stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and recall; it can be practiced independently or in a group setting.
Between 2024 and 2025, researchers from the George Mason University Department of Social Work published a series of studies that included quantitative and qualitative evaluations and a randomized controlled trial. The research aims to measure the impact of the StrongerMemory program and determine whether its daily activities can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive function among older adults.
Collectively, researchers found consistent cognitive improvement and emotional benefits among participants. Individuals demonstrated measurable gains on cognitive assessments, and they reported greater mental sharpness and reduced isolation. Those who combined StrongerMemory with social engagement activities showed the most significant increases in overall well-being.
“These findings affirm what we’ve seen firsthand for years,” said Jessica Fredericksen, Director of Brain Health at Goodwin Living. “Small daily actions can make a meaningful difference in brain health. At Goodwin Living, we believe every older adult deserves tools that help them live with purpose and confidence. StrongerMemory makes that possible.”
Researchers at George Mason University Department of Social Work, Dr. Catherine Tompkins and Dr. Emily Ihara, shared their enthusiasm:
“Over the past five years, our research partnership with Goodwin Living has enabled us to conduct meaningful community-based research, engage students and a postdoctoral fellow in impactful work with older adults, and demonstrate the value of non-pharmacological interventions such as StrongerMemory. Participants in the StrongerMemory program expressed great enthusiasm and offered valuable feedback that helped refine our research approach. This program exemplifies the growing importance of accessible, evidence-based cognitive health initiatives that support healthy aging. These findings support StrongerMemory as an effective, low-cost and adaptable tool for promoting brain health in individuals, whether they live in community or home settings. Goodwin Living and George Mason University plan to continue their research partnership to further explore the long-term benefits.”
Goodwin Living President and CEO Rob Liebreich was inspired to create StrongerMemory after his mother began to experience mild cognitive impairment. The program has reached thousands of participants nationwide through partnerships with community organizations, libraries and senior living providers.
Learn more at StrongerMemory.org
About Goodwin Living™ (goodwinliving.org) Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., specialized health care services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 70 countries. Goodwin Living has been named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post for seven consecutive years and was recognized nationally as the #13 Top Workplace in the United States by USA Today in 2025. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
