Each 5 kg of lower grip strength went with about 16% higher mortality across 17 countries

Prospective cohort of 139,691 adults aged 35–70 in 17 countries of different income levels, measured with a Jamar dynamometer. Median follow-up 4.0 years; 3,379 deaths.

The same 5 kg step went with a hazard ratio of 1.17 (1.11–1.24) for cardiovascular death, 1.17 (1.12–1.21) for non-cardiovascular death, 1.07 (1.02–1.11) for myocardial infarction and 1.09 (1.05–1.15) for stroke.

Grip showed no association with incident diabetes, admission for pneumonia or COPD, falls, or fracture.

Observational, so the link may not be causal: nobody was assigned to get stronger. Follow-up was short at four years, which leaves room for illness to lower both grip and survival.

Grip is one of the ten tests and is read against age and sex norms. We present the association as an association. The app does not tell you that raising your grip will add years, because no trial has shown that.