When it comes to living a long and healthy life, there are plenty of factors to consider – diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. But did you know that something as simple as grip strength can also play a role in your longevity?
Research has shown that grip strength is a strong predictor of overall health and mortality. In one study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that people with weaker grip strength were more likely to die prematurely than those with stronger grip strength (1). Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that grip strength was significantly associated with a lower risk of death from all causes (2).
So, how can you improve your grip strength and boost your chances of living a long and healthy life? Here are a few tips:
- Lift weights: Resistance training is a great way to improve grip strength. Try exercises like pull-ups, rows, and farmer’s carries to target your grip.
- Use hand grippers: These simple devices are an easy and effective way to strengthen your hands and wrists. Start with a lighter gripper and gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger.
- Try grip-specific exercises: There are plenty of exercises that are specifically designed to improve grip strength, such as pinch grips, finger curls, and wrist curls.
- Make grip strength a habit: Just like any other muscle, your grip needs to be exercised regularly in order to stay strong. Try to incorporate grip-specific exercises into your daily routine, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
So, don’t underestimate the importance of grip strength when it comes to living a long and healthy life. Make it a priority to work on your grip, and you’ll be well on your way to living your best life well into your nineties.
References:
- Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., Rangarajan, S., Lopez-Jaramillo, P., Avezum, A., Orlandini, A., … & Yusoff, K. (2015). Grip strength and mortality: an international study. JAMA, 313(11), 11 grip strength.
- Prasad, G., Loh, Y., & Chia, M. (2017). Grip strength and all-cause mortality: an observational study. PloS one, 12(7), e0180568.