Older Adults With Strong Grip, Good Memory May Avoid or Delay Disability

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests the stronger older adults are, the better able they may be to prevent future disability, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers examined a survey of 30,434 people aged 50 and older across the European Union and Israel performed every two years. The team analyzed the respondents' answers to questions concerning their ability to walk 100 meters; sit for about two hours; get up from a chair after sitting for long periods; climb several flights of stairs without resting; climb one flight of stairs without resting, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; reach or extend their arms above shoulder level; pull or push large objects such as a living room chair; lift or carry weights over 10 pounds; and pick up a small coin from a table. The investigators examined the impact of grip strength and cognition on participants over time, and determined maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability might prevent or delay disability. The researchers implied that older adults who perform physical and mental training may be able to decelerate their physical decline and potentially prevent future problems such as the loss of independence, lower quality of life, the likelihood of depression and dementia, and even death.