The Neighborhood Environment and Handgrip Strength: Longitudinal Findings from the Health and Retirement Study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength, as measured by handgrip strength (HGS), is associated with physical function and mortality. Yet, the environmental context that influences muscle strength is poorly understood. We evaluated built and social neighborhood characteristics and their association with muscle strength over time.

METHODS: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018), linear mixed models assessed how 11 built and social neighborhood variables were associated with baseline levels and changes in HGS over time.

RESULTS: Among the 20,045 respondents (mean age = 63 years, SD = 9.7) with up to 4 HGS measures, 8,455 were men and 11,590 were women. Among men, residing in a neighborhood with a 10% increment higher score on neighborhood disadvantage was associated with ~1 kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.96 kg, 95% CI = -1.39, -0.53). Similarly, each 1-point increment on the physical disorder scale was associated with a -0.39 kg lower (95% CI = -0.65, -0.12) baseline HGS value. Among women, each 10% increment in neighborhood disadvantage was associated with a 0.29 kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.29 kg for each 10% increment, 95% CI = -0.46, -0.13). Each 1-unit increment in the number of neighborhood gyms at baseline was associated with a 0.50 kg lower HGS (B = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.76, -0.23). Each 1-point increment in physical disorder was associated with a -0.12 kg lower (95% CI = -0.24, -0.00) baseline HGS value. None of the neighborhood features were associated with HGS rate of change.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that residing in neighborhoods with greater disadvantage and physical disorder may pose challenges for HGS among middle aged adults as they enter into older adulthood.