When was the last time you tried to open a pickle jar? If you're over 60, chances are, it wasn't a cakewalk. As we age, our grip strength naturally declines. But did you know that grip strength is more than just a measure of how hard you can squeeze a ball? It's also a strong indicator of your overall health and well-being.

Research has shown that people with stronger grip strength are more likely to:

• Live longer, healthier lives
• Have a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer
• Recover more quickly from illness or surgery
• Maintain their independence and perform activities of daily living (ADLs)

3 Reasons Why Grip Strength is Important for Healthy Aging

1. Grip strength can help us stay independent.

As we age, it's important to be able to maintain our independence and carry out activities of daily living on our own. Strong grip strength is essential for many everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, cooking, cleaning & those pesky pickle jars!

2. Grip strength can help us reduce our risk of falls and fractures.

One in three people over the age of 65 will fall each year, leading to potentially serious injuries. Studies have shown that people with stronger grip strength are less likely to fall. This is because grip strength is associated with better balance and coordination. Additionally, people with stronger grip strength are better able to protect themselves from falls by catching themselves if they do start to lose their balance.

3. Grip strength can be a predictor of overall health and well-being.

Grip strength is a good indicator of our overall muscle mass and strength. It's also associated with other important health markers, such as bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.

How to Improve Your Grip Strength

There are many different ways to improve your grip strength. Some simple exercises include:

• Squeezing a stress ball or hand gripper
• Wringing out a wet washcloth
• Spider pushups (see the video below)

You can also improve your grip strength with yoga. In my latest YouTube video, "Improve Your Grip Strength with Yoga," I show you a few simple yoga poses that can help you strengthen your hands, wrists, and forearms.

So next time you're struggling with that pickle jar, stop waiting for someone stronger to show up! If you practice this sequence a few times a week, soon you'll be able to enjoy your new jar of pickles whenever you want!

Until next time,

~ Rosemary