Of the several parameters that determine the longevity of an individual, hand grip has not been talked about much. Recently a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found the relationship between hand grip and longevity in 14,178 Americans aged 50 years and older.

As per reports, that have access to the study published in 2024, the researchers analysed the participants and categorised them into absolute handgrip strength, handgrip strength adjusted for body mass and handgrip strength adjusted for BMI.

The researchers found that participants classified as weak faced a higher risk of early all-cause mortality. Those with absolute weakness were 1.45 times more likely to experience early death, while weakness in BMI-adjusted and body mass-adjusted handgrip strength groups was linked to a 1.39 and 1.33 times higher mortality risk , respectively. When multiple weakness categories were combined, the mortality risk increased even further.

"Weakness determined by a composite measure of absolute and body size adjusted strength capacity provides robust prediction of time to mortality, thus potentially informing sports medicine and health practitioner discussions about the importance of muscle strength during aging," the researchers have said.

Participants who fell below all three weakness thresholds had a 69% higher risk of early death compared to those with stronger grip strength.

How to increase hand grip?
Here are some effective ways to enhance grip strength:

Hand exercises like grip squeezes, finger extensions can strengthen grip. Use a hand gripper or squeeze a stress ball for 10–15 repetitions daily. Stretch a rubber band around your fingers and open your hand repeatedly to strengthen extensor muscles.

Weight training like holding heavy weights for extended periods and engaging in pull ups and chin ups can work wonders.

Apart from gym workout, daily activities like carrying heavy bags instead of using a trolley, carry grocery bags can challenge your grip. Training with thicker grips enhances hand endurance.

Consume protein-rich foods and stay hydrated for muscle recovery. Stretch and massage hands to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.