Keep these limbs and joints strong

Strong knees and a strong grip help prevent joint pain and lower hospitalization risk among the elderly. In this Health Smarts video, Vonda Wright, MD, reveals how strength training is an anti-aging move that fights pain and improves balance.

Transcript

00:00

[MUSIC PLAYING] Hi I'm Dr. Vonda Wright. Did you know that strong hands and knees will benefit you as you age?

00:15

In one study of elderly people in their 70s and beyond, those with strong knees and a strong grip

00:22

were more likely to stay out of the hospital. In the study, a group of seniors had strong muscles

00:29

to support their knees. The result was a 70% drop in hospitalization risk.

00:36

A firm hand grip reduced hospitalization risks by 50%. The study also found that muscle strength was more important

00:46

than muscle size. That means you have to worry about toning what you have and being less concerned about bulking up.

00:55

What's the connection between these joints and muscles and the trip to the emergency room? Weak muscles and poor balance increase your risk

01:03

of falls and fracture. These injuries can affect your mobility for weeks and keep you from staying active and social.

01:22

That's another good reason to keep strength training as you age.