Dr. Kate Duchowny and her team carefully analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, which has been available to the public for the purpose of research on aging since 1990. They analyzed the data of 8,326 people aged 65 and over, and noticed that people with weaker muscles had a 50% chance of passing away earlier than those with stronger muscles.
According to Duchowny, "maintaining muscle strength throughout life - and especially in later life - is extremely important for longevity and aging independently.”
The researchers measured the participants' muscles strength by using a dynamometer, which needs to be squeezed by the participant in order to determine their hand grip strength. Women whose hand grip strength was less than 48 pounds and men whose hand grip strength was under 85 pounds were labeled as having weak muscles, and these groups made up 46% of the total sample together.
The results of this trial have led the team to conclude that measuring grip strength needs to become a staple of routine physicals, especially considering that they are both highly cost-effective and easy to perform.
According to Duchowny, "this study further highlights the importance of integrating grip strength measurements into routine care—not just for older adults but even in midlife,” and that "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.”
If you want to measure your own muscle strength in the comfort of your own home, you can actually order your own dynamometer from the internet, which you can use to motivate you to start building some muscle before it's too late. If you do decide to purchase one of your own, here's a short video showing you how to use it properly:
Home Fitness: 12 Excellent Fat Burning Cardio Exercises
This cardio workout plan consists of 12 simple exercises anyone can do without any equipment!
Is Walking Actually Better For Your Health Than Running?
If you're trying to figure out the right exercise for you, it could be walking, running or jogging, depending on what your fitness goals are
Guide: How to Stretch 14 Specific Muscles!
Want to maintain muscle flexibility, reduce pain and improve mobility? The following stretches will tell you exactly what muscle you are stretching.
Eye-opening Infographic Reveals What Extends Our Lifespan
This infogprhic sheds light on what truly increases our lifespan and what does the exact opposite
Discover the Link Between Temperature & Blood Pressure
A recent UCL study has found a link between low indoor temperatures and hypertension. Read all about it here.
Discover How You Can Breathe New Life Into Aging Muscles
If you think you're too old to work out, you'd better think again!
Why You Feel Bloated While Traveling and How to Fix It
In this article, we'll list 5 harmful, yet very common habits that are to blame for traveler's bloating and what to do instead
These 11 Health Myths Were Finally Cleared By Science
To make a fresh and healthier start in the new decade, let's discuss and leave 11 of the greatest health myths of the 2010's in this article
Our Guide to Proper Eye Care and Avoiding Cataracts!
Read these tips to prevent a cataract ever forming on your lens!
Running After 50: Helpful Tips and Tricks
This video presents some smart and useful tips that will help peple over 50 to jog comfortably.
5 Impressive Health Benefits of Peanuts You Never Knew
In this article, we learn about some lesser-known but important benefits of eating peanuts.
Soothe and Warm Your Body and Soul With These Yummy Drinks
With the cold months upon us, we wanted to help you with an enormous collection of soothing, healing and simply delicious hot beverages
Debunking Some of the Main Myths Surrounding Mental Health
Let’s take a look at the real facts behind mental health problems, from addictions to ailments like depression and anxiety
8 Exercises that'll Improve Your Sitting Posture
Did you know that your sitting posture can end up causing you a lot of pain?
Can Wearing a Mask Protect You From the Coronavirus?
With each new virus outbreak, people start wearing masks as protection from the disease, but are these as effective as we think they are?
The Most Important Information About Fruits and Vegetables!
This chart should be printed and hanged in every kitchen in the world.
There's Something Making Us Fatter, But It's Not Fat...
When most people hear about "carbs", they automatically have a bad connotation, but not all carbs are the same and not all are "bad" for you.
WARNING: Toxicity Levels of Fish Rise Rapidly
Certain fish varieties may be unsafe to eat during rising levels of mercury found in their tissues, here's all you need to know
Did You Know These Foods Contain MSG?
It is little known these everyday food products contain MSG
Waking Up With a Dry Mouth? 8 Causes and Home Treatments
In this article, we focus on the symptoms, causes, and home treatments of dry mouth to help you understand and get rid of the condition
Warning! Read About These Mistakes Before Taking Vitamins
Are you using vitamins are supplements correctly, or are you just wasting your money? Find out by learning about the 8 most common myths on dietary supplements.
8 Places Where Asbestos Can Still Linger in Your Home
In this article, we’ll list 9 common household items that may contain asbestos and how it can affect your health.
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
COVID-19: Face Masks Reduce the Severity of the Disease
Face masks serve as a barrier that can reduce how much of the virus can reach the mask wearer, which could ultimately lower the severity of the disease
15 Common ‘Healthy’ Foods That Can Be TOXIC to Humans
These 15 foods may be healthy, but if you eat too much or don't prep them correctly, they can be toxic and sometimes even life threatening
Are You Washing Your Hands Correctly?
Proper hand-washing can help protect you from infectious diseases, be it salmonella, the flu, or other dangerous viruses. Here's how to do it
These Weigh Loss Myths are Common But Simply Not True
A video where dietitians debunk 18 common misconceptions on weight loss.
Sun Poisoning vs. Sunburn - The Important Differences
Now that the hot months are almost here, it's important to know how to tell sun poisoning from an ordinary sunburn.
5 Easy Tests You Can Take at Home to See How Fit You Are!
Five easy tests you can try in private to find out how fit, or unfit, you really are.
There Are Two Types of Excess Fat & They’re VERY Different
Our body is capable of storing fat in two different ways - as visceral and subcutaneous fat - and the two couldn't be more different...
Anxiety and Grief Can Cause Profound Cardiac Injury
‘A broken heart’ is one expression we might want to take more literally. As thoroughly explained in this incredibly insightful lecture, the effects of heartbreak, as well as other emotions, both positive and negative, all leave a very real, physical
How Sugar Affects Our Brain...
This fascinating animation will show you exactly what processes sugar enables in our body.
5 Warning Signs of Your Metabolism Slowing Down
Here is a look at some vital signs that will tell you if your metabolism is slowing down.
Why Fragrance in Shampoo Can Harm Your Health
If you see this potentially harmful ingredient on the label of your shampoo, it may be time to switch it for the sake of your health.
11 Guides on Alzheimer's Disease: How to Protect Yourself
We've pooled our knowledge here for you to browse, it includes ways to protect yourself, ways to reduce your risk of the disease, ways to eat right to slow it down and some interesting studies you may find interesting.
90% of the Population are Deficient in This Nutrient
90% of Americans are deficient in choline, but is this nutrient important to begin with? Find out in this article
Get the Newest Coronavirus Updates With This Online Map
In this article, we’ll direct you to a convenient online map that records the most recent updates about the coronavirus.
IMPORTANT: A Comprehensive Guide to Giving First Aid
This is information EVERYONE should know about. When the worst happens and you need to give first aid, it's best to know these things in advance.
If You’re Lactose Intolerant, Avoid These 15 Foods
For any one attempting to maintain a dairy-free diet, or suffering from lactose intolerance, here are some unexpected foods containing dairy
Why You Must Eat Berries and Apples to Prevent Dementia
A type of antioxidant present in berries, tea, and apples may be not simply beneficial but necessary to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's
No More Hiccups: The Best Natural Remedies for Hiccups
We all know how frustrating hiccups can be, these home remedies have easy-to-get-to ingredients that you can reach for when hiccuping.
Just a Dash of This Common Herb Can Benefit Your Wellbeing
Learn what health issues peppermint is most beneficial for and how to use this herb to improve your wellbeing right here.
WHO Says COVID-19 Could Be Airborne - Here’s What It Means
Covid-19 may be spread even easier than previously estimated, with even the WHO now suggesting it may be airborne. Here's what this means for you...
Should We Throw Away Spotty Fruit & Veg? TED-ED Reveals
The US food industry is responsible for wasting some $30 billion of fruit & veg a year. But can this be avoided? Is it better that we don't need blemished food?
Sit at a Desk All Day? This Stretch Will Help You Sleep
This quick stretch will counteract the harmful effects of sedentary lifestyle on your sleep and will help you feel more refreshed every morning
Pay Attention to How Your Microwave Could Be Harming You
Your microwave may not be as safe as you think. Click here to find out why.
Protect the Men in Your Life with 4 Prostate Cancer Facts
Prostate cancer is not a woman's disease, but, there is a chance that it will affect a man close to you at some point. Know the facts.