Changes in Dexterity: A Fact Sheet on Aging

Strength/Dexterity Changes:

In in the young adult, 43 percent of body weight is muscle. With age (above 70), lean body mass declines about 25 percent of body weight.
There is an increase in fat cells—to 1/3 body weight by age 70. There is also a decline in nerve activity.
Both endurance and reaction time are decreased.

Dexterity difficulties may produce these behaviors:

Discontinue handwriting—letters, etc.
Difficulties in such daily activities as grasping, opening heavy doors, manipulating buttons and zippers, lacing shoes
Spilling

Actions you may take:

Position items for ease in reaching or use magnetic latches or take cabinet doors off. Change door knobs to handles.
Allow/encourage more time
Encourage independence

Adapted from Sensitizing People to the Processes of Aging: The In-Service Educator’s Guide by Marvin Ernst and Herbert Shore, Dallas Geriatric Research Institute, 1977. Distributed by: Judith L. Warren, Ph.D., Extension Program Leader and Professor and Extension Gerontology Specialist, Family Development and Resource Management, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. 1995.

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Last updated: 16 September, 2009

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.