While it can’t be disputed that there are benefits to both strength training and cardio, a new study has found that the former might help increase life expectancy.
In recent articles referring to the importance of weight training to live longer, one area GHN have looked deeper into the sciences & researches is the importance of "Grip Strength". We have found some interesting facts. We have also listed some benefits & GHN Products to help achieve strength, size & muscle maintenance - no matter your age, sex or exercise activity.
According to research, having stronger muscles is linked to living longer. The study, published late in 2019, found that people with low muscle strength are 50 per cent more likely to die earlier than their stronger peers.
Men and women over the age of 65 who were selected to represent the national population as a whole, as part of the Health and Retirement Study.
The research found that hand grip strength in particular was important as it’s inversely linked to mobility limitations - however this is not a measure that is regularly tested in routine physicals. Grip strength is considered a good reflection of overall strength and is easy to measure using a dynamometer - a person simply squeezes it to measure their strength in kg.
As our hands are essential for living independently as we age, having good grip strength is key in later life. This study further highlights the importance of integrating grip strength measurements into routine care - not just for older adults but even people in midlife.
Having hand grip strength be an integral part of routine care would allow for earlier interventions, which could lead to increased longevity and independence for individuals.
The study also found that 46 per cent of the participants were considered weak based on the thresholds laid out by the researchers. What’s more, the people in the “weak” category were over 50 per cent more likely to die early than stronger people.
