Age-related changes in hand function - it's not just about muscle strength

The hand is a remarkable organ that is essential for daily living, functional independence, and quality of life. Age-related declines in sensorimotor function, however, lead to impaired hand dexterity, fine force control, and coordinated movement that are independent of comorbid conditions such as arthritis or peripheral neuropathies. Despite a large body of research illustrating how these changes impact daily activities, routine clinical assessment of mobility in older adults has primarily focused on postural control or the ability to generate maximum grip strength. This mini-review provides an overview of functional hand declines associated with aging including the importance of low force control and somatosensory feedback. In addition, the benefits of targeted training programs to improve hand sensorimotor function and the impact of factors such as sex differences, physical inactivity, and occupation on hand use are described. The goal of this review is to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining or improving hand function in our increasingly aging segment of society - it's not just about muscle strength.