A new study has shown that extreme heat can accelerate biological ageing in humans, according to The New York Times.
Scientists analysed health data from nearly 25,000 adult residents of Taiwan over the past 15 years. According to the results, two years of exposure to heat waves can accelerate biological ageing by 8–12 additional days. According to Associate Professor Cui Guo of the University of Hong Kong, this small number seems insignificant, but over time the effect accumulates, as heat waves are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change.
Heat waves are being recorded on the west coast of the United States, in Iran, Europe, Japan and Korea. For example, France experienced two periods of extreme heat this summer, sparking debate about the need for air conditioning. According to World Weather Attribution, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with climate change adding 41 extra days of extreme heat worldwide.
The elderly, as well as those who do not have air conditioning or work outdoors in the heat, are particularly vulnerable to accelerated ageing.
Experts remind us that accelerated ageing usually manifests itself around the age of 50, when tissues and organs begin to lose their functions and blood vessels age the fastest.
