Extreme heat appears to accelerate biological aging in older individuals, potentially increasing the risk of age-related diseases. This compelling finding emerges from a significant study that establishes a connection between prolonged heat exposure and biological aging.
Researchers at the University of Southern California conducted a large-scale analysis, revealing that older adults residing in regions with higher numbers of extreme heat days exhibit faster biological aging compared to those in milder climates. The study analyzed genetic data from blood samples collected from 3,600 participants across the United States, all aged 56 and older, during 2006-2007.
Using three epigenetic clocks, the researchers assessed biological age by examining patterns of methyl groups on DNA, which change as individuals age and are linked to various age-related conditions.
The study monitored daily air temperature readings in proximity to the participants’ homes over a six-year timeframe before the blood samples were collected. Findings indicate that for every 200 days of exposure to daily maximum temperatures exceeding 32.2°C (90°F), participants’ biological age increased by an average of up to 3.5 months compared to those in cooler areas, with variations based on the specific epigenetic clock employed.
This research highlights the implications of heat exposure on the pace of biological aging, an observation supported by earlier studies conducted in Taiwan and Germany. However, experts note that epigenetic clocks may not fully encapsulate the aging process or individual disease risks. Further research is necessary to correlate extreme heat exposure with biological aging and its potential effects on health outcomes, mortality, and overall lifespan.
It is important to recognize that the study did not factor in access to air conditioning or participants’ outdoor activities, both of which could influence individual heat exposure. Despite controlling for variables such as age, sex, race, income, ethnicity, smoking habits, alcohol use, obesity, and physical activity, additional research is needed to determine the broader applicability of these findings, especially among younger populations or in different countries where cooling strategies may vary.
Identifying individuals most affected by accelerated aging due to extreme heat can assist policymakers in implementing targeted measures to mitigate these risks.
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