Could the stronger people be those with a history of physical activity that made them healthier? In other words, are the stronger grip, walking speed and lower mortality rate the common result of physical activity, nutrition? Or not, instead related to something else like genetics? The researchers accounted for age, sex and body size, but why not anything else?

A firm grip in a handshake represents self-confidence, maybe a sense of purpose - much as one would see in a person's stride when they are walking. I have never done a formal study as such; I am one who always notes who has a good handshake, male or female. When I worked in a hospice center, I met a Russian woman who had a great smile, a firm grip and never used a cane or walker to the end; she was in her 90s and when she got into bed, she crawled up on it (didn't sit on edge and swing her legs up). She knew her time was winding down, but still had her spirit. I took care of others in their 50s & 60s, whose grip was limp or more like they barely had skin contact with you; most had a long list of chronic illnesses and didn't ambulate unsupported. It would have been interesting to know them when they were younger - were they self-conscious or passive; did life wear them down or had they given up? As I said, I have been a casual observer, not a causal investigator; but it strikes me that a lot of younger people don't pay attention to how they come across in a greeting situation. A confident firm grip makes a better impression than an obligatory skin contact. And how it relates to future health or a longer life - well, I'll leave that to the researchers. These are just my observations.......

opee do

I have a very strong grip and walk briskly without trying, standing erect also gives me sense of well being. Don't stoop to pain or pressure. Remain aloof in these times of disregard for older people. I don't intend to die until I want to.

Oh brother, its more than a hand grip to keep you living longer it may show you might be healthier. But its more like taking care of yourself when you were younger, a healthy diet and exercise to keep limber. Good circulation and blood flow will keep nutrients flowing to the organs and muscles. Just like stagant waters are not healthy, neither is poor circulation. As the saying goes...you dont use it, you lose it....

Don't know how I got here, I rarely read MSNBC articles. This one is a good reminder why.

The premise of this study is patently ridicules. I'm 71, I have firm handshake, and it has little to do with my health. Basically I'm healthy, and of course that helps, but the reason for my firm handshake is because I was taught, at a young age, to always present myself with a firm handshake. Later in life I was involved in sales, running my own business and politics. Having a firm handshake simply became a habit.

So now, if I were not healthy, ie; having a slow gait or not being able to get out of a chair, although I'll admit sometimes some chairs can present a challenge, I may not be able to have a firm grip, habit or no habit.

So, those old farts in the study may not have a firm grip because they never had a firm grip, because they never learned how to shake hands!

So, as I said MSNBC articles are usually a waste of time.

a firm one is good!

I'm a octogenarian. Two pluses,  (1 ) I have a grip like iron, but youngsters respond with a bone crusher to prove they are stronger. And a damn it can hurt. (2)  I do (a brisk ) one mile turn  around my deck, day, rain or shine. However, I can't remember just how many years ago it was that I was able to have sex three times a day !