High Death Risk for Elderly With Weak Grip

Very old adults with poor or declining handgrip strength may be more likely to die than those who are stronger, a study finds. The study looked at handgrip strength in 555 people at age 85 and again at age 89. People with low hand strength in the first measurement were more likely than others to die in the next 8 to 10 years. Death rates also were higher in people whose hand strength declined from the first to second measurement. Researchers said handgrip strength may indicate overall muscle strength. They said improving muscle strength possibly could help people live longer. The study appeared February 8 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.