As climate change raises temperatures worldwide, a recent study warns about extreme heat and how this could be accelerating the aging process in older adults.
Elderly individuals exposed to extended periods of extreme heat showed signs of increased biological aging, according to the study published this week in the ‘Science Advances’ journal.
Researchers from the University of Southern California analyzed data from over 3,600 individuals aged 56 and older from across the United States. They compared their biological markers with the temperature patterns in their local environments.
The results indicated that those living in areas with temperatures above 32°C -classified as Extreme Caution or higher by the U.S. National Weather Service- had an accelerated biological age, sometimes by more than a year.
What is biological aging and its importance?
While chronological age counts the years since birth, biological age reflects the wear and tear of the organism at a cellular and molecular level. A biological age higher than the chronological one is associated with a higher risk of disease and premature death.
For the study, researchers analyzed blood samples collected over a six-year period, from 2010 to 2016, including participants from warm regions like Arizona.
Scientists measured their age using epigenetic clocks -tools that track changes in DNA over time- and correlated the results with local heat index data, which takes into account both temperature and humidity.
The results showed that in warmer climates, epigenetic clocks ticked faster, even after accounting for lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Climate change, urban heat, and vulnerable populations
With rising temperatures worldwide, the results highlight the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations -particularly older individuals- from health risks related to heat.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 was the warmest year on record, approximately 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. Extreme heatwaves are also becoming more frequent.
Previous research has linked extreme heat to cardiovascular stress, kidney problems, and even cognitive decline.
Researchers emphasize that cities can mitigate the impact of extreme heat by building more urban green spaces, planting more trees, and designing public infrastructure with heat resilience in mind. Without these measures, the temperature increase could pose an increasingly significant threat to the global aging population.
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