Frequency of hand use in healthy older persons

The aim of this study was to describe the type and frequency of hand use in healthy older adults. Observational studies were conducted involving structured observations at five-minute intervals on 15 healthy older adults as they went about their normal daily routine between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. Overall, the dominant hand was used more frequently than the non-dominant hand. Subjects used their hands predominantly to hold and manipulate objects, and not for balance. There was no significant difference between the frequency of manipulating objects with the fingers and the frequency of use of the whole hand. Subjects used their hands significantly more often in bimanual activities than in unimanual activities or in no activity. Although subjects usually stood while they held or manipulated objects, they also sat or walked while manipulating them. The present study provides insights into how healthy older adults naturally use their hands in performing everyday activities. While the dominant hand is used more than the non-dominant hand, the hands are used predominantly together to perform bimanual tasks.