Extreme Heat Could Accelerate Aging, Study Finds

Retiring to a sunny paradise might not be as idyllic as it seems. A new study from USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that extreme heat could speed up aging at the molecular level, particularly for older adults. The research, published in Science Advances, uncovered a concerning link between prolonged exposure to high temperatures and accelerated "biological aging."

Unlike chronological age, which ticks forward based on your birthdate, biological age measures how well your body functions at the cellular level. According to the National Institute on Aging, having a biological age that outpaces your chronological one is associated with increased risks of diseases and even death. So, moving to a heat-heavy locale might actually be adding years—not the good kind—to your body's clock.

Researchers examined data from thousands of U.S. participants aged 56 and older, tracking molecular changes in their blood samples over six years. Using "epigenetic clocks," they linked these changes to the heat index of participants' locations. The correlation? Areas with more days of extreme heat—defined as 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above—showed significant jumps in biological aging. For example, residents of Phoenix, Arizona, where heat days can cover half the year, experienced up to 14 extra months of biological aging compared to those living in cooler areas.

Senior author Jennifer Ailshire explained that the study factored in both heat and humidity since older adults have impaired sweating mechanisms, which hinders the body's ability to cool down. "It's really about the combination of heat and humidity," said Ailshire. This could make the scorching summers feel even more unforgiving.

Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician in Florida, weighed in on the matter, noting an uptick in heat-related hospitalizations among older adults during last summer’s record-breaking temperatures. He pointed out how certain medications, like antidepressants and beta blockers, can further impair temperature regulation. Chronic health conditions also play a role in reducing the body's ability to adapt to extreme heat.

To combat the risks, experts recommend practical steps like scheduling outdoor activities during cooler times, staying hydrated, and reviewing medications with a physician for potential heat-related interactions. Ailshire also emphasized the need for policymakers and urban planners to mitigate heat exposure by creating shaded areas, planting trees, and increasing green spaces.

The study underscores an urgent need for solutions as climate change continues to escalate temperatures worldwide. In the meantime, retirees dreaming of sunny skies might want to consider the heat's hidden toll on their health.