Why Grip Strength Matters for Ageing Well
As we get older, there are many ways to track how well we’re ageing, but a person’s grip strength is one simple test that can tell us a lot about our overall health.
By Matt Cahill, Exercise Physiologist at Catholic Homes
Ageing well means maintaining independence, mobility and confidence.
What is Grip Strength – and Why Does It Matter?
Grip strength refers to the force you can generate when squeezing something, and it turns out it’s a strong predictor of more than just how easily you can open a jar or carry the shopping.
A high grip strength has been closely linked to an:
- Increased life expectancy
- Better mobility and balance
- Lower risk of cardiovascular-related death, and
- Improved ability to perform everyday tasks like standing up from a chair, using a walking aid, or preventing falls
What’s even more interesting is that grip strength is shaped by your physical activity over your entire life, from childhood into older age. That means it can reflect both your current health and the benefits of movement and exercise accumulated over time.
