Extreme heat may accelerate aging in older adults, study warns

As many retirees choose to move to warmer climates for retirement, a recent study conducted by USC Leonard has shed light on the potential negative effects of extreme heat on aging in older individuals. This study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that individuals living in areas with more days of hot weather may age faster at a molecular level compared to those residing in cooler regions.

Biological aging, as opposed to chronological age, is a measure of how well the body functions at a molecular level. Having a biological age that surpasses your chronological age is linked to a higher risk of disease and mortality. The research conducted by Jennifer Ailshire and Eunyoung Choi from USC Leonard Davis School focused on analyzing changes in biological age over a six-year period in thousands of participants aged 56 and older in the United States.

The study utilized epigenetic clocks to examine changes in how individual genes are turned on or off, estimating biological ages based on these patterns. The researchers compared participants’ biological age changes to the heat index history and number of heat days in their respective locations. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between increased biological aging and residing in areas with more days of extreme heat.

Participants living in regions where heat days occur for more than half of the year, such as Phoenix, Arizona, experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging compared to those living in cooler areas with fewer than 10 heat days per year. The study took relative humidity into account by using the heat index rather than solely relying on air temperature.

Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician, noted a rise in heat-related incidents among older adults, particularly during summer months with record-breaking temperatures. He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and consulting with a healthcare provider about medications that may impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Moving forward, the research team plans to investigate additional factors that could contribute to heat-related biological aging vulnerability and how it relates to overall health. The findings may prompt policymakers and urban planners to consider heat mitigation strategies and age-friendly features in urban infrastructure updates, such as shaded bus stops, increased green spaces, and tree planting.

In conclusion, the study highlights the potential impact of extreme heat on biological aging in older individuals and underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate these effects. By incorporating age-friendly design elements and promoting heat safety practices, communities can better support the health and well-being of older adults in warmer climates.