Grip strength is especially important for older adults because it is not only related to daily life functioning, but also reflects overall physical strength. Testing grip strength is quick and inexpensive, and is an easy way to assess your overall health. Research has shown that grip strength is associated with a variety of health indicators, including: mobility. While grip strength is not necessarily used when walking, grip strength is related to the ability to move. People with weakened grip strength are more likely to have physical limitations. Overall physical strength. Grip strength is a good indicator of overall strength, but sometimes it needs to be combined with leg strength measurements for more accurate results. Cognitive function. People with good grip strength perform better on tests of working memory, processing speed, and language ability, and have a lower probability of thinking problems as they age. Bone mineral density. Weak grip strength is associated with low bone mineral density, which is a measure of bone strength. This is a strong risk factor for osteoporosis, which causes thinning of bones. People with weak grip are more likely to develop hip fractures and fragility fractures, which are fractures that occur when you fall from a standing height or lower. Heart health. A study of 140,000 people showed that weakened grip strength was associated with heart health indicators. For every 11 pounds of grip strength decreased, heart health indicators decreased. Grip strength is measured with an instrument called a grip dynamometer. The steps to measure grip strength with a grip dynamometer are as follows: Depending on age, gender, and the hand being measured, the grip strength will vary. The handshake dynamometer will have a table in the manual that tells you the high, medium, and low grip strength values of the left and right hands of different ages and genders. If grip strength is measured at the gym or doctor's office, the tester will interpret your results. You can incorporate grip strength training into your daily routine. Here are some suggestions for improving grip strength: As overall strength increases, so does grip strength. If you're over 40 and haven't exercised recently, talk to your doctor about a strength training program that's right for you. You can do strength training by using body weight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym machines.