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.