A firm handshake could be one of the signs of longevity, according to a new study carried out by the Medical Research Council-funded Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing.

Scientists at University College, London, combined the results of over 30 earlier research projects which studied mortality and physical capability in tens of thousands of subjects, most of them over 60.

They found that older people who had good balance, a strong grip and were able to get up from a chair were likely to live longer.

First up, last down

Which reminds me, I must drag myself off the sun lounger where I can usually be found, winter and summer, on an Isle of Wight beach, hop to the nearest pub and grab a couple of pints of beer

I realise now that my desperately slow neighbour, who is at least ten years younger than me and usually five minutes slower getting off his backside and into the world, is probably on his last legs.

The way he staggers home after five pints (wimp!) reminds me that I must dig out that black armband again, and place an early order for a wreath with the local Co-Op.

Gripping stuff

The next time you take a sea cruise should provide you with the perfect opportunity to double check University College, London’s findings, for most cruise ships are full of people who appear to be super glued to a deck, or any other, chair.

Try timing them when the gong goes for breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late night supper. In my experience, the usual mad dash for the food suggests that everybody over the age of 50 on a cruise ship will live forever.

Then watch them hopping, skipping and leaping around in the ship’s night club/disco/dance floor…I usually do, from the safety of a bar stool.

If you want to make friends for life, preferably friends who will last at least as long as you do, why not introduce yourself to likely passengers and shake their hands. Any namby-pamby hand shakers should be casually dismissed.

But do hold on to the friendship of the Samson-strength glad-handers.

And keep a firm grip on life, while you consider all the nonsense scientists and other worthies insist on feeding us.

Have a nice cruise.

James Leavey

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