This article highlights grip strength as a significant indicator of overall health and longevity, linking weak grip to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and muscle loss. It explains different types of grip, how to test grip strength (including using a dynamometer), and provides advice from physiotherapists and occupational therapists on how to improve it through everyday activities and specific exercises, while cautioning against certain gadgets.
The grip secret: it could be the key to a long and healthy life – here’s how to improve yours
HealthLife and styleSocietyFitnessHeart attackStrokeObesityDiabetesAgeing
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️This article highlights grip strength as a significant indicator of overall health and longevity, linking weak grip to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and muscle loss. It explains different types of grip, how to test grip strength (including using a dynamometer), and provides advice from physiotherapists and occupational therapists on how to improve it through everyday activities and specific exercises, while cautioning against certain gadgets.
- 1 From about 50: Muscle mass and nerve function gradually decline, affecting grip strength.
- 2 Four to six weeks: Expected time to notice small improvements with consistent grip exercises.
- A weak grip is associated with higher risks of heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fall risk, obesity, cognitive decline, and age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).
- Improving grip strength is expected to improve overall health and quality of life.
- Misuse of hand grippers can lead to tendinopathy (tendon damage).
What: Grip strength is presented as a key indicator of overall health and longevity, with a weak grip correlating to increased risks of various health issues. The article explains how to assess and improve grip strength through functional exercises and lifestyle changes, advising against repetitive gripping gadgets.
When: Published 2025-06-30. Information is general health advice, applicable ongoing.
Where: General health advice, not location-specific, but mentions Delhi for one expert.
Why: To inform readers about the importance of grip strength as a health metric and provide practical advice on how to maintain or improve it for better health and quality of life.
How: The article cites studies (e.g., 140,000 adults in 17 countries), quotes experts (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, GPs), and provides practical tips and exercises.