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Grip strength is globally considered a reliable indicator of overall health due to its link to muscle strength, immune health, chronic disease risk and longevity.
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Hong Kong’s grip strength is weaker than that of Japan, Europe, North America and Australia
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Living longer, better rather than just living, should be a primary goal
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Average female grip strength begins to decline at age 35
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Average decrease in grip strength of 50% between ages 40 and 80
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Although Hong Kong leads the world in terms of life expectancy[1], more than 30 percent fall into the “weak” grip strength category; more than 20 percent never exercise
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More than 55% of them only do low-intensity exercises, which do not build muscle.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – February 2, 2024 – Humansa (www.humansahealth.com), the Hong Kong-based health and wellness company, today revealed the results of Hong Kong community-led research on citizens’ grip strength. As part of the development of the New World (www.nwd.com.hk), Humansa is a pioneer in redefining preventative healthcare and wellness.
Figure 1: Grip strength in Humansa Hong Kong sample compared to other regions. Note: Data normalization has been completed to remove outliers for comparison with trends in other regions.
Grip strength is globally considered a reliable indicator of overall health due to its link to muscle strength, immune health, chronic disease risk and longevity. Additionally, it functions as a biomarker of aging, as research indicates that individuals with weaker grip strength show signs of accelerated DNA aging.[2] In more direct terms, the New York Post reported in February 2023: “if you have a limp handshake, you may die younger.” [3]
Figure 2: Humansa GripFit Hong Kong Challenge
Humansa sought to better understand the health status of the Hong Kong community by launching the Humansa GripFit Hong Kong Challenge (the “GripFit Challenge”). The initiative involved Hong Kongers and the results revealed a worrying disparity in the community’s grip strength compared to many developed regions, including Japan, Europe, North America and Australia.
Conducted from November 2 to 19, 2023, the GripFit Challenge collected data from 2,343 people across different age groups and demographics. Participants, aged 14 to 86, measured their grip strength using a hand dynamometer and provided additional information on the frequency, intensity and daily food consumption of their exercises.
Key findings from the GripFit Challenge reveal similar grip strength patterns between the sexes, peaking in early adulthood and remaining relatively stable through midlife before gradually declining.
However, there is cause for concern because the average grip strength of women begins to decline from the age of 35 to 40, while for men this decline usually begins at the age of 50. It is crucial to emphasize that maintaining good grip strength in midlife can protect against old-age disabilities and health problems. Grip strength in Humansa’s Hong Kong sample trends on average relative to that of major Asian countries (including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) at peak ages (20 to 40 years), as shown in Figure 1, and yet is lower than that of developed regions such as Japan, Europe, North America and Australia[4].
Note: Data normalization has been completed to remove outliers for comparison with trends in other regions.
The Humansa GripFit Challenge further revealed that more than 30 percent of participants fell into the “low” grip strength category, with more than 20 percent never exercising and more than 55 percent never engaging than in low intensity exercises.
Don So, CEO of Humansa, said in Hong Kong today: “These results represent a welfare wake-up call for Hong Kong. Living to old age is not “living” if individuals struggle with poor mental and physical health – it is more sustainable. Everyone’s goal should be to “live better, longer”, which is Humansa’s mission. Given how quickly strength deteriorates over time, being just “average” potentially means bigger problems as our community ages. Humansa has teamed up with experts. on a global scale, forming our International Advisory Board to explore new service models, introducing cutting-edge concepts from Switzerland and elsewhere in Asia. Together, we hope to introduce tests and solutions to increase lifespan, as well as lifespan, specifically designed to meet the needs of the Asian population. »
“The results of Humansa’s GripFit test raise significant concerns about possible long-term health concerns within the Hong Kong community,” said Dr. Clark Cheng, Chief Operating Officer at Humansa. “Studies have shown that reduced grip strength has become more effective in predicting shorter life expectancy than blood pressure, a traditionally reliable indicator.[5] Our study revealed a worrying reality: Hong Kong lags behind most developed countries in terms of grip strength, even though life expectancy in Hong Kong has seen a steady increase.1. High stress, poor work-life balance, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet have been identified as possible factors contributing to low grip strength in individuals.[6] Even for those who have achieved an “average” score, not exercising regularly can cause them to become “weak” in the future. However, overall health and well-being depends on several factors, with grip strength being a key indicator. As such, Humansa strives to empower individuals to take control of their well-being and guide them towards healthier lifestyles. »
Humansa focuses on seamlessly integrating preventive care into everyday life to help people improve their health. Drawing on findings from the GripFit Challenge, as well as its experience in the Hong Kong market, Humansa recommends that individuals prioritize preventive care, adopt an active lifestyle, and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. to improve their overall health. Individuals should incorporate a preventive care and wellness regimen into their daily routine, as well as undergo comprehensive health checkups and assessments as a basis for setting their wellness goals. Humansa’s professional fitness team also advises Hong Kongers to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine, starting with moderate-intensity exercises and aiming for sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, including strength training exercises of all kinds. the body at least twice a week. To ensure optimal nutrition, the Humansa Dietetic Team recommends maintaining a balanced diet with regular meals and healthy snacks emphasizing the intake of lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats and foods rich in omega-3 such as oily fish.
Humansa’s comprehensive wellness offerings can help clients and their families manage these aspects effectively, guiding them through every step of their health and wellness journey. As a pioneer in holistic healthcare solutions, Humansa’s mission is to inspire positive transformations in customers’ lives, fostering a healthier, happier community for all.
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong. (January 2021). Why Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy in the world. Retrieved from https://www.oal.cuhk.edu.hk/cuhkenews_202101_life_expectancy/
The Lancet
Health risk management policy; and Kwak Y., Kim Y. (2022). Mental health and grip strength in older adults: a national study.
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