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.