The impact of age on manual dexterity and its causes.

Our bodies change in a number of ways as we age, perhaps one of the most impactful declines is a reduction in manual dexterity. This reduction touches numerous aspects of daily life, from opening a jar when preparing a meal to difficulty with buttons when getting dressed .

Research by Carment et al. in 2018 highlighted that almost 1 in 2 people over 70 had significant issues performing tasks requiring fine motor skills. These issues were often a result of joint-pain preventing participants completing tasks, but could also be attributed to the weakening of muscles and tendons, as well as issues with grip caused by nerve damage.

Some of the key causes of a loss of manual dexterity include:

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness and a loss of mobility in the joints. It makes delicate tasks and gripping particularly difficult.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that leads to swelling of the joints. The resulting damage to cartilage and bone can lead to the fusion of joints and a significant restriction of movement.
• Cubital and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: These conditions refer to the compression of the ulnar and median nerve, respectively. Compression causes a loss of feeling and weakness in the hand and fingers with prolonged irritation leading to atrophy of the muscles.
• Osteoporosis: Characterised by a loss of bone mass, this condition sees bones become weak and fragile making reducing manual dexterity.
• Parkinson's Disease: Tremors, rigidity and a loss of balance are all symptoms of this condition. Each of these symptoms makes tasks requiring fine motor skills particularly difficult.

Minimising the effects of a loss in manual dexterity
A wide range of innovative products and daily living aids exists to help those with limited mobility and reduced motor skills. Despite often being simple in nature, these aids can have a major impact in reducing the frustration and making life easier.

A number of other strategies exist to help minimise the reduction in, and even improve, manual dexterity:

Regular exercise
Exercising regularly will improve general muscle strength, including in the hands and fingers. Hand-strengthening can be specifically targeted using resistance bands or by squeezing putty or a tennis ball.

Regular doctor visits
Regular check-ups can help identify any problems with fingers and hands early on. Your doctor may be able to offer solutions to treat or reduce symptoms.

Knitting, gardening or craft work
These are just a few examples of enjoyable hobbies that help keep your hands active. Pastimes are also a great way to keep you positive when the impacts of ageing start to get you down.

Play dexterity games
Board games and card games strengthen hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Keep mentally active
An active mind helps reduce cognitive decline, which helps improve hand function.

Healthy hands and fingers
Get a regular manicure or pedicure to keep nails and cuticles healthy.