Why It Matters

Explore the research behind Aim for Unity’s mission. These studies reflect what we see every day: that archery can calm the mind, build confidence, and create meaningful connection across generations. This is more than sport. This is impact you can feel and something science can prove.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs logo with seal and text on a blue background.

Title: Exploring the Benefits of Archery Group Therapy For Veterans

Summary: According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, archery-based group therapy has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and build resilience among veterans.

Link: https://www.va.gov/marion-health-care/stories/exploring-the-benefits-of-archery-group-therapy-for-veterans/

CBC logo with a red circular symbol and black text on a white background.

Title: 5 Common Misconceptions About Dementia

Summary: This CBC article debunks five major myths about dementia. Notably, it features a woman named Phyllis Fehr who uses archery to stay mentally and physically active after being diagnosed with dementia. Her story shows how activities like archery can offer joy, confidence, and resilience.

Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/dementia-misconceptions-1.3389164

Logo of the National Institute on Aging, featuring the letters 'NIH' with an arrow design.

Title: Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know?

Summary: Explains how regular physical activity may help delay or prevent cognitive decline.

Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know

Stanford Lifestyle Medicine logo with stylized text.

Title: How Exercise Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Summary: Discusses how physical activity boosts brain resilience and slows cognitive decline.

Link: https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/28/how-exercise-reduces-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/

Logo of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a shield and globe emblem.

Title: Small Amounts of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Are Associated with Big Reductions in Dementia Risk

Summary: Finds that even short periods of physical activity are associated with significantly lower dementia risk.

Link: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/small-amounts-of-moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity-are-associated-with-big-reductions-in-dementia-risk