A new study published in Science Advances has found a link between extreme heat and accelerated aging in older adults. Researchers analyzed the DNA of over 3,600 people aged 56 and above, comparing those living in areas with high temperatures to those in cooler regions. The results show that individuals exposed to extreme heat experienced more molecular changes than their counterparts, potentially leading to an accelerated aging process.
The study used epigenetic clocks, which measure biological changes that can predict disease risk or death associated with older age. The analysis found that people living in areas with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least 140 days a year aged up to 14 months faster than those in regions with fewer extreme heat days.
While the study suggests a connection between heat exposure and epigenetic aging, experts caution that more research is needed to understand the relationship. The authors acknowledge that there may be other factors contributing to health trends, such as access to air conditioning or lifestyle habits. Nevertheless, the findings offer a promising direction for future studies on interventions like air conditioning or shade to mitigate the effects of aging in extreme heat environments.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/well/heat-aging-older-people.html