Introduction: mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Early identification of individuals with cognitive impairment is essential for preventing disease progression; therefore, the search for accessible and informative markers of early cognitive decline remains an important challenge. Muscle strength and physical function have emerged as promising indicators, as their decline is closely associated with the aging process and may accompany the development of cognitive impairment. Objective: to evaluate the associations of muscle strength and physical function with the presence of mild cognitive impairment and specific cognitive domains in older and oldest adults. Materials and Methods: the study included 356 participants aged 60 years and older (mean age 73.4 ± 5.9 years). Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Handgrip strength was measured by hand dynamometry. Gait speed was assessed using the 4-meter walk test, and functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test according to standard procedures. Results: participants with MCI demonstrated lower handgrip strength, slower gait speed, and longer Timed Up and Go test completion time than those with normal cognitive status (pd Go test may serve as accessible tools for the comprehensive assessment of cognitive decline and may be incorporated into screening examinations of older adults.