Yes, it is hard to refuse a handshake sometimes, especially here in the UK. But I never understood the death grip thing with many blokes of a certain age and demeanour. I experienced it a lot in the 80’s and 90’s. I had no idea arthritis could be so painful and debilitating until recently. I am around a lot of elderly people and when we chat it is a common topic, especially for men, the abject fear of someone moving in for a handshake.