This is what your handshake can reveal about your health

A firm handshake can leave a marked impression on a first encounter and is often integral to career development and the job interview process. But there is more to it than that. Recent research suggests your handshake could also be a reliable predictor for how well you would survive a health crisis.

What makes a good handshake?

A good handshake has often (wrongfully) been associated with gender dynamics and expectations. Where someone might expect a man to have a tighter grip due to biases and social constructs, that is not always the case.

In any situation, a firm, but brief, handshake that employs eye contact can move mountains. Prolonging the handshake, especially a first encounter handshake, can get uncomfortable. Maintaining eye contact for too long often displays the same result.

According to a study by Haverford College, “A reciprocal, cooperative relationship exists between the handshaking individual and his or her environment. When a situation is highly engaging, the individuals are likely to touch for long periods of time. Thus, patterns of heightened attention are observable through nonverbal behaviors.” A post-conversation or interview handshake can help to signal your undivided attention and comfort with an individual and can be the result of active listening.

Career development expert Vicky Oliver further explains the ideal handshake in most formal or introductory situations. “If you are seated, be sure to rise. Make eye contact as you walk toward the hiring manager. When you are two feet away, lock eyes briefly and extend your right hand to his or her right. Clasp his or her hand for two seconds. Squeeze once. Flash a smile.” Be sure not to bear down in a death grip, or to flop your hand or fingers too much. This could indicate discomfort or apprehension, which will inevitably leave an odd impression.

Why is a firm handshake considered networking gold?

A firm grip has been historically used to affirm a confident personality. When meeting someone new, it is the first indicator of mood, strength, and confidence. The way you maintain eye contact during a handshake can also drastically affect the result of your meeting, interview, or other pivotal introduction in your life. Maintaining a reputation with a firm handshake in a career that connects with many people can also help indicate your confidence in the company’s growth, networking, and direction.

In an increasingly competitive job market, a good handshake could be the difference between getting the job and being passed over for someone else.

But why is this? Laura Katen, president of Katen Consulting and author of The Communication Habit, explains: “[A handshake] is a huge nonverbal cue. I don’t even have to say a word… I’m letting you know right away that I want to build rapport with you. I want to make you feel comfortable. Without even opening your mouth, you very quickly let the recipient know so many positive messages that set the tone for the rest of that meeting or interaction.” Nonverbal cues often serve to affirm or counteract our existing beliefs about a person. They are also key in setting a standard upon first meeting someone.

How is a firm handshake connected to good health?

A systematic review of a multitude of studies involving test subjects over the age of 60 revealed that grip strength can predict a decline in cognitive abilities, functionality, mobility, and even be an indicator of premature death in some cases. Researchers have found that your grip is a simple indicator of muscle mass and body strength. If your grip strength — or the amount of control you have over it — seems to be in fast decline, you may want to re-evaluate your health.

A 2015 study definitively connected weak handshakes with a rise in cardiovascular concerns, while a 2018 study examined grip strength and concluded that lower grip strength is directly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and is often linked to a variety of cancers. Loss of muscle mass is a precursor to debilitating diseases, like multiple sclerosis, sarcopenia, muscular dystrophy, obesity, diabetes, and more.

It has also been used as a marker for bone health, as a weak handshake could make you more prone to fractures. To offset these results as you age, simple exercises and physical therapy movement may help to enact any muscles you may not be used as frequently.

The takeaway

While handshakes have long been considered a necessity in career networking, it seems pertinent to remind everyone that the COVID-19 pandemic has made this less of a norm for the foreseeable future.

Staying safe and healthy is everyone’s priority at the moment, so if you are meeting with someone for the first time in person, be sure to examine their comfort levels around a handshake and respect your own boundaries. Practice your handshake with others if you have not been able to engage in that way for a while, if not only to examine your own health and functionality.

If you are preparing for a meeting, consider these tips for a successful handshake that is guaranteed to make a positive impact.