BATON ROUGE — Grip strength may not be something you think about, but it can be important.

It is not just about fitness: it can signal declining health as we age.

A new study looked at more than 1,000 older adults to create a tool that spots weak grip strength early on. The researchers found that weaker hand muscles can be a sign of muscle loss, chronic illness and a higher risk of early death.

Grip strength often starts to fade around age 50. You can maintain grip strength with some simple exercises.

Try squeezing a tennis ball or racquetball for 15 to 30 seconds at a time, three times with each hand. You can also go basic, like hanging from a bar or carrying heavy grocery bags, to build strength. Grip exercises should be included as part of an overall strength program involving every major muscle group in your body.