Grip strength is often an outgrowth of nerve function, since it is farther from the CNS, it shows deficiency first. I would experiment with supplements, and go in to get B12 tested by the doc. Sometimes a deficiency of something can be behind that, like pernicious anemia. And I would experiment with Amino Acids too, in addition to B vitamins. Glutamine, Citruline, Taurine, Arginine, and Branch Chains can sometimes get deficient in older people, because as you get older the body stops making them for some reason and if you do not consume it you end up deficient.
In short, I would want to know why that grip strength was weak, more than I would want a hack to work around it.
As pastor for 44 years, too many times sadly I have seen old people move to a one-story house and be dead within a year. Can’t climb stairs? Quit exercising completely and watch what happens. I think the real answer BTC and I really feel for you is all of the above advice and comments and thanks for posting this and thanks so much especially AnonConserv for pointing this out about nerve function.
Everyone, Anyone, if you wish to stay out of the old folks home longer, (1) do your squats every day. Being unable to squat for the toilet has caused more people to lose independence than anything.
If you wish to stay out of the home longer, (2) do balance exercises. Stand on one foot as long as you can then on the other. Go for 60 seconds on each foot. “Oww my ankles can’t do that.” It’s not your ankles it’s your balance.
If you want to stay out on your own and get around independently, (3) do calf raises. Watch the old people in Wal-Mart. They shuffle along because their calves are so weak. I have struggled against psoriatic arthritis for forty years, and I have learned that if the muscles are kept strong, then I can still function in spite of the inflammation. Mine gets better with exercise.
Yes, get the tape, but still practice drawing without the tape.
Yes get the one story but do a stair climber at the gym!
My hands and fingers are really bad with arthritis, so I play guitar/banjo every day. It really works.