Heat waves accelerate aging

Researchers from China, Taiwan, and the United States analyzed health data from nearly 25,000 adults in Taiwan recorded between 2008 and 2022.

The researchers determined the participants' biological age using data from a series of medical tests including blood pressure, cholesterol, lung, liver and kidney function.

Researchers found that biological age advanced by an average of nine days in people exposed to an extra four days of heatwave over a two-year period, and noted that this effect was much faster in workers who spent more time outdoors.

"If heatwaves are sustained for decades, the health impacts would be much greater than what we are reporting," said Dr. Cui Guo of the University of Hong Kong, who led the study, according to The Guardian.

Cui pointed out that heat waves are now occurring more frequently and for longer periods of time, and assessed that the future effects of high temperatures could be "more severe" and longer-lasting.

The researchers emphasized that their study draws attention to the necessary interventions to strengthen adaptive capacity, delay aging, and promote healthy aging.

The research was published in the journal "Nature Climate Change".