A new study has found that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can accelerate biological ageing in older people, potentially increasing the risk of age-related diseases. Researchers at the University of Southern California analysed genetic data from 3600 adults aged 56 and over, linking long-term heat exposure to faster biological ageing.
The study used epigenetic clocks, which track patterns of chemical tags on DNA, to estimate each participant’s biological age. It found that for every 200 days of exposure to daily maximum temperatures of at least 32.2°C (90℉), participants’ biological age increased by up to 3.5 months, compared to those in cooler areas.
The results support previous studies linking extreme heat to accelerated ageing, but highlight the need for further research to understand the relationship between heat exposure, biological ageing, and disease risk. The study’s limitations include not accounting for access to air conditioning or outdoor time, which could affect personal heat exposure.
Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2470068-extreme-heat-may-speed-up-biological-ageing-in-older-people