Have you ever considered that the key to reversing aging and improving your memory might just be in your hands? It turns out, according to a study conducted at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, that the strength of your handshake is a strong indicator of how well you’re staving off the effects of aging. The researchers found that the firmer your handshake, the better your chances are of enjoying a longer, healthier life with a sharp memory.
Delving into Decades of Handshake Data
The study analyzed results from over 50 studies conducted around the world on people of all ages. Researchers were able to study various ages, as the measure of hand grip strength is frequently used and readily available in existing data. As Warren Sanderson, a researcher on the project, affirmed: “Hand-grip strength is easily measured and data on hand-grip strength now can be found in many of the most important surveys on aging worldwide.”
Backing up this finding is another study out of Denmark, which also concluded that the stronger your grip, the more likely you are to live a longer and healthier life with a sharper memory.
The Power of Epigenetics
The reason for this strong correlation between grip strength and aging and memory can be found in the fascinating field of epigenetics, which examines how environmental factors can impact your gene expression. This means the things you do with your body can have a bearing on how your DNA expresses itself. For example, engaging in certain activities can either encourage your DNA to express itself in a way that promotes a healthier, more youthful you, or it could also promote old age and disease.
Research has shown that strength is associated with 221 different genes, including some that can produce inflammation, which can weaken your hands. Thus, the stronger your hands are, the more likely it is that your genes are expressing in a way that promotes health and staves off aging.
The Anti-Aging Benefits of Resistance Training
As you grow older, the anti-aging effects of resistance training actually become more potent. Engaging in just two days of strength training per week can make a significant difference in keeping not only your grip strong but also your entire body youthful and robust.
Let’s explore some forms of resistance training that can help you maintain a powerful grip and keep your mind sharp as you age:
1. Hand Grippers
Using hand grippers is an excellent way to target grip strength. These inexpensive devices are small and portable, making them perfect for use while watching TV, working, or even during short breaks throughout your busy day.
2. Wrist Curls
To perform a wrist curl, hold a dumbbell in your hand and rest your forearm on a table, with your palm facing up. Slowly curl your wrist upward, lifting the dumbbell as high as possible while keeping your forearm resting on the table. Lower it back down, and repeat for a set of 10-15 repetitions before switching to the other arm.
3. Hand Stretches
Proper stretching is essential for maintaining flexibility and avoiding injury. Stretching your hands involves extending them as wide as possible and then progressively making a tight fist. Repeat this motion several times a day to help with mobility and dexterity.
4. Rubber Band Finger Extensions
This simple but effective exercise involves placing a rubber band around your fingers and then extending them outward to provide resistance. Similar to hand stretches, you can perform this exercise anytime, anywhere, to improve your grip strength.
A Holistic Approach to Aging and Memory
Your grip strength is just one piece of the puzzle in maintaining a healthy mind and body as you grow older. It’s essential to adopt a holistic approach to your health that includes exercise, nutrition, mental stimulation, and self-care.
Ultimately, understanding the link between grip strength and aging, as well as memory, and incorporating resistance training exercises into your routine, can make a significant difference in staving off the effects of aging. Ensure you keep a healthy grip on life, and you may just find yourself enjoying a longer, more vibrant existence with a sharp memory to match.
