Grip strength is a commonly used variable in aging research. Not only is the harder you can squeeze a sign of strong muscles, but it’s also linked to lower instances of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, depression, chronic diseases, and numerous other diseases and conditions that impact people as we age.

A brand-new paper published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine tried to identify if there were any connections between grip strength and self-reported feelings of pain and anxiety. There were 2,038 subjects that took part in the study aged between 60 and 106 years old.

Fascinatingly, the researchers concluded that for every 1KG (2.2lbs) increase in hand grip strength, there was a 1.2% lower probability of experiencing pain and a 1.3% lower probability of experiencing anxiety in the participants.

The takeaway here is that prioritizing strength training as we age can have some profound effects on our health, wellbeing, and independence.

If you’re interested in finding new ways to keep your hands strong and stay active and engaged as you age, please visit the Richard A. Henson Wellness Center webpage. 

Because we are a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations and fundraising to support our programs. If you’re interested in helping out the gym and our wellness programs, check our Discounted Jolly Roger Passes fundraiser and our upcoming Guest Bartending Event at Brew River! 

(2023) Better Handgrip Strength Is Related to the Lower Prevalence of Pain and Anxiety in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.