Abstract: Objective To analyze the cut-off value of grip strength and the relationship with intrinsic ability and disability in Chinese elderly. Methods The data of 5 520 cases aged ≥ 60 years in the 2013 China Health and Elderly Longitudinal Survey were used to evaluate the levels of grip strength, intrinsic ability and disability of the elderly. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship of grip strength with impairment in various domains of intrinsic ability and disability. Results The grip strength of men with different ages was greater than that of women. The cut-off points of weak grip strength in men and women aged 60-69 years, 70-79 years and ≥ 80 years were 10.1, 13.3, 18.8 kg and 6.9, 8.5, 10.2 kg, respectively. Overall, the risk of intrinsic capacity impairment in the elderly with weak grip strength was higher than that in the elderly with better grip strength(male: OR=2.382, 95%CI: 1.367－4.150; female:OR=5.514, 95%CI: 1.397－22.790),and the risk of disability was also higher in the elderly with weak grip strength than that in those with better grip strength (male:OR=2.582, 95%CI: 1.822－3.659; female: OR=1.820, 95%CI: 1.176－2.814). Conclusions The critical value of grip strength in Chinese elderly is low and needs to be improved. Grip strength is closely related to intrinsic ability and disability.

Key words: aged, intrinsic capacity, grip strength, disability, critical value