I've played the former since I was a child and apart from the benefits to your brain and skillset, the muscular development in the fingers (esp the ring and pinkie) greatly enhances overall finger/hand strength, stretching, dexterity, tone, and vascularity – especially as you age.
Pick up martial arts if you can.
I practice Karate but hairline fractures in the knuckles are a bit of a risk due to the hard nature of the style. I recommend something a bit more fluid like Kung Fu or Jiu Jitsu to increase overall strength and mobility for the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use Kettlebells, and do swings.
I use KB's almost exclusively and they help to build gripping strength and stability for both the hands and forearms. Kettlebell swings specifically help to strengthen the posterior chain and correct bad posture – which is crucial for those of us who are sitting in front a screen for most of the day. It's also an excellent form of high-intensity interval training that won't take up much of your time.
Use Epsom salts.
A few times a week I'll mix some Epsom salts in a basin of lukewarm water and let my hands soak for up to 15 minutes. Very therapeutic.
Take Collagen protein.
I make my own bone broth using a slow cooker– cheap and easy. Collagen is highly beneficial for joints and ligaments, including of course the wrist, elbows, fingers, etc. You can also get the tabs or powder too if that's easier than making broth.
I recommend a pressure cooker for making stock rather than a slow cooker. Superior results in a fraction of the time and energy. I use a stovetop pressure cooker, which tend to cook at higher pressure than Instapot style cookers, but the Instapot should be about equivalent to the slow cooker in terms of hands-on attention.
I've played the former since I was a child and apart from the benefits to your brain and skillset, the muscular development in the fingers (esp the ring and pinkie) greatly enhances overall finger/hand strength, stretching, dexterity, tone, and vascularity – especially as you age.
Pick up martial arts if you can.
I practice Karate but hairline fractures in the knuckles are a bit of a risk due to the hard nature of the style. I recommend something a bit more fluid like Kung Fu or Jiu Jitsu to increase overall strength and mobility for the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use Kettlebells, and do swings.
I use KB's almost exclusively and they help to build gripping strength and stability for both the hands and forearms. Kettlebell swings specifically help to strengthen the posterior chain and correct bad posture – which is crucial for those of us who are sitting in front a screen for most of the day. It's also an excellent form of high-intensity interval training that won't take up much of your time.
Use Epsom salts.
A few times a week I'll mix some Epsom salts in a basin of lukewarm water and let my hands soak for up to 15 minutes. Very therapeutic.
Take Collagen protein.
I make my own bone broth using a slow cooker– cheap and easy. Collagen is highly beneficial for joints and ligaments, including of course the wrist, elbows, fingers, etc. You can also get the tabs or powder too if that's easier than making broth.