Forget running! THIS exercise will help you live longer – and you can do it at home
IF you want to live to a ripe old age, you might want to start weight training.
Because the key to living longer might be to get stronger, new research suggests.
Not only that, but the most important parts of the body to keep strong, apparently, are your hands.
Scientists from the University of Michigan have suggested that weight training may be even more important for older people than for younger ones.
Dr Kate Duchowny, lead author of the study, said: "Maintaining muscle strength throughout life - and especially in later life - is extremely important for longevity and ageing independently."
She explained that the hands are key to almost every function of independent living - from dressing ourselves to cooking.
Grip strength is a key measure of overall strength and it tends to decline as we get older.
The University of Michigan study looked at the grip strength of more than 8,300 men and women.
Forty-six per cent had "weak"; hands, compared to an earlier study, which suggested that only 13 per cent of American OAPs were in the same category.
Scientists claim that this most recent study, however, is based on a more diverse population and therefore better represents the true scale of old age muscle decline.
"We believe our cut-points more accurately reflect the changing population trends of older Americans and that muscle weakness is a serious public health concern," said Dr Duchowny.
"Many ageing studies—not just those on muscle strength—are conducted on largely white populations. However, as the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, it is critical to use nationally representative data for these types of studies."
Those who fell into the "weak" category were more than 50 per cent more likely to die early than stronger people.
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"Having hand grip strength be an integral part of routine care would allow for earlier interventions, which could lead to increased longevity and independence for individuals.'
It's never too late to start strength training.
Your best bet - if you're a beginner - is to get a personal trainer who can take you through some basic moves and can ensure that you're lifting the right weight in the correct position.
"As we get older the intensity of our workouts should decrease and the length of time between them should increase as the recovery gets slower.
"While there are many benefits to lifting weights as an older person, taking on too much too soon or attempting exercise you have not been formally instructed on could be dangerous and heighten your risk of injury.
"Making sure you have an equal focus on your strength, fitness, mobility and aesthetics would be a healthy way to approach exercise and will set you up in very good stead for your future."
And if you're worried about bulking up, don't be.
For one thing, it's almost impossible for women to pile on enough lean muscle to start 'bulking' (we don't have enough natural testosterone).
And the study's authors have also found that its muscle strength - not mass - that matters.
So just concentrate on getting stronger and increasing your grip strength.
And if you need any inspiration, just check out these incredible grandmas who can lift more than most 20-somethings.