Handgrip strength is positively associated with successful aging in older adults: A national cross-sectional study in China.

OBJECTIVES

Muscle strength gradually decreases with advancing age. This study aimed to explore the relationship between handgrip strength and successful aging and its specific dimensions in older adults using a nationally representative sample.

METHODS

A total of 5269 adults aged 60 and older were included in this study. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer and was organized into quartiles by sex. Successful aging was defined by Rowe and Kahn's conceptual model including the following five dimensions: (a) no major diseases; (b) freedom from disability; (c) high cognitive function; (d) good psychological status; and (e) active social engagement in life. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between handgrip strength and successful aging and its specific dimensions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of successful aging was found to be 35.1 % in Chinese older adults. Compared to older adults with handgrip strength in the first quartile, those with handgrip strength in the second quartile, third quartile, and fourth quartile had a higher probability of successful aging (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.40 (95 % CI: 1.16, 1.69) to 2.06 (95 % CI: 1.70, 2.50)). We further found that the association between handgrip strength and successful aging was related to different ages.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that there is a close association between handgrip strength and successful aging. Older adults who have greater handgrip strength can successfully deal with the challenges of aging. For older people, keeping a high level of muscle strength in late life may be helpful to the constant successful aging.