14 months faster: Researchers have found that heat accelerates aging.

According to recent studies, residents of areas frequently exposed to extreme heat age more rapidly compared to those living in cooler climates. Researchers investigated how prolonged exposure to high temperatures impacts biological aging, raising concerns about the broader health implications of climate change, writes SciTechDaily.

The study conducted by the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at California State University, led by Jennifer Ailshire, found a direct correlation between extreme heat exposure and accelerated biological aging in older adults.

During the study, scientists analyzed data from over 3,600 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which tracked epigenetic changes through blood samples collected over six years.

Ailshire and her colleagues discovered that individuals living in high-temperature areas, such as Phoenix, Arizona, exhibited biological aging that was 14 months greater than those residing in regions with fewer extremely hot days.

"Even after controlling for several factors, we found this association. Simply living in a region with a higher number of hot days leads to faster biological aging," the researchers stated.

Biological aging, which reflects the molecular and cellular functions of the body rather than chronological age, was measured using epigenetic clocks—a scientific tool that assesses DNA methylation patterns.

The study utilized temperature data obtained from the National Weather Service, classifying heat index levels and analyzing their impact over time.

The results indicated that extreme heat can lead to rapid changes in biological age, with some effects accumulating in both the short and long term.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures due to a decreased ability to effectively regulate body temperature. The study considered both heat and humidity, highlighting their combined role in increasing health risks.

Researchers suggest that urban planning should prioritize heat mitigation strategies, such as increasing green spaces, to protect the population.

"If everywhere is getting warmer and the population is aging, we need to approach climate change mitigation strategies much more wisely," Ailshire says.

Understanding how environmental factors influence biological aging can aid in shaping health initiatives and urban development strategies aimed at creating safer living conditions.

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