Grip strength test predicts early mortality risk

A new test could help determine if someone is at risk of dying early. Health expert Ed Jones suggests a simple grip strength test is a key indicator of overall health. Strong grip strength is linked to a lower risk of various age-related diseases. The grip-test involves squeezing a heavy object for one minute. For many people, this could mean holding a dumbbell that weighs three-quarters of their body weight. For safety reasons, experts recommend limiting this to lighter weights: 25 kg for men and 15 kg for women. Another way to assess grip strength is to hang from a pull-up bar. Research indicates that men should aim to hang for 60 seconds, while women should target 30 seconds. A shorter hanging time could mean a higher risk of premature death. Studies show that weak grip strength can predict early death more accurately than high blood pressure. Additionally, being unable to balance on one leg for more than 10 seconds may also indicate health risks, especially for older adults. Experts recommend exercises to improve grip strength, such as using gadgets designed for this purpose. Balancing exercises are also important. The NHS provides guidelines for how long people of different ages should be able to balance on one leg. Maintaining strength and mobility is crucial for health as people age. It can help prevent falls and improve overall longevity.