Heat Stress accelerates Human Body’s Ageing Clock

New research suggests that living in hot climates may accelerate the body’s aging process. A study of over 3,000 older adults found that people exposed to frequent heatwaves showed signs of faster biological aging at the molecular level. 

Scientists from the University of Southern California used DNA markers, called the ‘epigenetic clock,’ to measure aging. They compared these markers to local temperature data and found that individuals living in areas with more hot days aged slightly faster than those in cooler regions. For every 10% increase in hot days, molecular ageing increased by about 0.12 years. Short-term heat exposure, however, showed no clear effects. 

Extreme heat is already known to strain the heart, kidneys, and brain. This study adds new evidence that heat may also affect the body at a cellular level, potentially leading to long-term health issues. 

Polar regions play a crucial role in influencing global heatwaves and climate patterns. The Arctic (4 times faster) and Antarctic (2 times faster) regions are warming at a rate much faster than the global average. This accelerated warming can disrupt atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, leading to changes that influence weather events across the globe, including heatwaves. 

As heatwaves grow more frequent worldwide, protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat is becoming increasingly urgent. Implementing early warning systems, enhancing green spaces, and improving building designs for heat resilience can help us cope with rising temperatures. Governments, communities, and individuals must prioritize climate resilience by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in nature-based solutions and supporting policies that protect polar regions. 

Feature image: Air temperatures, June 2024, Credit: NASA