A recent study suggests a correlation between prolonged exposure to extreme heat and accelerated biological ageing in individuals aged 56 and over, potentially increasing the risk of age-related diseases. Researchers from the University of Southern California conducted a large-scale analysis of genetic data from over 3,600 participants, using blood samples collected between 2006 and 2007. The study used three epigenetic clocks to estimate biological age by examining methylation patterns on DNA, which are known to change with age and are associated with various diseases.
The findings indicate that for every 200 days spent in temperatures exceeding 32.2°C (90°F) during the six years prior to blood sampling, participants’ biological age could increase by an average of up to 3.5 months compared to those living in cooler environments. This pattern was consistent with observations from previous studies conducted in Taiwan and Germany, linking extreme heat exposure to biological ageing.
Critics of the study highlight certain limitations, including the lack of information on participants’ access to air conditioning and outdoor activity levels, which could significantly impact individual heat exposure. Nevertheless, the research has prompted calls for further investigations to explore the implications for younger populations and individuals in different climatic regions.
Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these findings, as this knowledge could aid policymakers in developing strategies to protect vulnerable groups from the adverse effects of extreme heat. Identifying those at increased risk could be crucial for public health initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of rising temperatures associated with climate change.
