The Evaluation of Hand Strength in an Aging Population
Abstract
Muscular deterioration is a well known effect that aging has on
individuals. As a person gets older, their muscles naturally become worn down and more
atrophied as compared to their younger counterparts. The ability of an individual to perform their
activities of daily living may be compromised by low muscular strength even in healthy older
individuals. There is mounting evidence to show not only endurance capacity but also strength
is a predictor of health, especially in elderly people. Many studies have shown a correlation
between muscular strength and future morbidity, disability, and mortality in these individuals and
many of them are subjected to a steady decline in muscular strength, because the vast majority
are inactive.