Grip strength is increasingly recognized as a clinically meaningful biomarker of aging. Research has linked low grip strength to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, reduced mobility, and even all-cause mortality. The encouraging news: grip strength is something you can actively improve. One simple way to test your grip strength at home is with a tennis ball. Squeeze it for as long as you can. At first, aim for 15 to 30 seconds, and track your progress over time. While targeted exercises like wrist curls or grip squeezes can help, broader strategies that build muscle mass and support bone density (like lifting weights) are equally important. Developing stronger grip strength and healthier aging can look like weight-bearing movement, meeting daily protein goals, and adding supplements like creatine to your routine. It can also look like prioritizing quality sleep and allowing for recovery. It all makes a difference. Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28549705/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6778477/, https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/abstract/2008/31010/hand_grip_dynamometry_predicts_future_outcomes_in.2.aspx