Living in certain climates may speed up aging, new study finds

What do scientists say?

But an international team of scientists has discovered a more insidious consequence: heat can accelerate the aging process.

Epidemiologists analyzed over 15 years of health data from nearly 25,000 adult residents in Taiwan. They concluded that two years of cumulative exposure to heat waves can add from 8 to 12 days to a person's biological age.

Biological age is an indicator of the actual state of your cells, tissues, and organs, as opposed to chronological age (the number of years lived).

The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, compares this effect to the harmful impact of smoking or alcohol consumption.

Study leader Cui Guo notes that although the number itself may seem small, over time and at the population level, this effect can have significant public health consequences.

Last year was officially recognized as the hottest in recorded history. Heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, and prolonged around the world.

Extreme heat is specifically dangerous because it can worsen existing health problems, such as:

• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Kidney disease
• Neurological and mental disorders

Researchers also noted that "manual workers, rural residents and participants from communities with fewer air conditioners were more susceptible to the health impacts" of heat waves.

Why is an 'older' biological age dangerous?

When biological age exceeds chronological age, the risk of developing chronic diseases increases, including:

• Dementia
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes

Another recent study confirmed that extreme heat can accelerate biological aging in the elderly. Scientists have found that people living in regions with a high number of hot days age faster.

How to protect yourself from extreme heat?

Experts recommend following simple rules:

• Try to stay in air-conditioned spaces.
• Drink water and sports drinks to restore electrolytes lost through sweating.
• Wear light, bright-colored clothing made of natural fabrics.
• Avoid workouts or hard physical work outdoors during peak heat hours.
• Check on how your elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors are feeling.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

Previously, we named 3 countries where people age the slowest.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.