As a society, our grip strength has declined by around 20% since the 1980s. Not surprisingly, as more and more jobs have become less physical (even auto mechanics use many more power tools) our grip strength has declined. In essence, there has been an inverse relationship between advancement of civilization and grip strength.

Why does the decline in grip strength matter? Our grip strength is a good proxy for our overall strength, and it turns out that strength is important.

In a 2015 study grip strength was found to be “inversely associated with all-cause mortality” and for every 5kg decline in the ability to grip there was a 17% increase in mortality risk. Here’s a startling fact, the study found that “grip strength was a stronger predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than systolic blood pressure.”  In other studies grip strength has been associated with other ageing markers such as cognitive performance and a stronger grip is positively associated with survival in cancer patients.

Note, however, that grip strength is merely correlated to ageing and mortality risks – it’s just an indicator of overall strength.  Thus, working on your grip by itself will not improve your health.  Instead, vigorous weight and resistance training is recommended.

Source and read more here: Grip Strength