Buffalo Study Finds 12% Lower Death Risk per 7kg Grip Gain in Older Women
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · May 19
Buffalo Study Finds 12% Lower Death Risk per 7kg Grip Gain in Older Women
5 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · May 19
More than 5,000 women aged 63 to 99 followed for eight years showed lower mortality when muscle strength was higher, even after researchers adjusted for physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and inflammation.
Every additional 7 kilograms of grip strength was tied to a 12% drop in death risk, while a 6-second faster chair-stand time was linked to a 4% reduction.
The association held even for women who did not meet the standard 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, suggesting strength itself is an independent predictor.
University at Buffalo researchers said body size and lean mass did not explain the effect, strengthening the case for adding more muscle-strengthening work to healthy-aging guidance.
Clinicians cited the findings as a reminder that walking alone is not enough in old age, with simple chair-stand checks and home resistance exercises offering practical ways to monitor and build strength.
Grip strength predicts longevity better than blood pressure. Should doctors prescribe dumbbells instead of just medication?
If standing from a chair predicts lifespan, how should we redesign our homes and cities for an aging population?
Handgrip Strength Predicts Longevity: Landmark Study Reveals 43% Lower Mortality in Strongest Older Women
Overview
A major study published in February 2024 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society followed over 30,000 women aged 65 and older for ten years to explore the link between muscle strength and longevity. Led by Dr. Maria Sanchez at the National Institute on Aging, the research used precise handgrip strength tests to objectively measure muscle strength. The results showed that stronger muscle strength is a clear and independent predictor of a longer life, highlighting the importance of maintaining strength as we age. This study provides strong evidence that building muscle strength can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for older women.