For people with weak bones, how strong their hands are matters more for their survival than how weak their bones are — grip strength is a better death risk clue than bone scans.

Even when doctors account for age, weight, and other illnesses, weak hand grip still predicts who is more likely to die — it adds unique information about health risk.

Even when doctors account for age, weight, and other illnesses, weak hand grip still predicts higher death risk in people with weak bones — meaning it adds unique information.

People with weak hand grip and weak bones are much more likely to die sooner than those with stronger hands, even after accounting for other health problems.

People with weak hand grip and weak bones are much more likely to die sooner than those with stronger hands, even after accounting for other health problems.

The stronger your hand grip, the lower your chance of dying early — even small increases in grip strength are linked to better survival in people with weak bones.