Rising Temperatures Linked to Faster Biological Ageing
New research suggests that repeated exposure to heatwaves can accelerate ageing in people, with effects comparable to those caused by smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, or lack of exercise. Scientists warn that increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves driven by the climate crisis could cause long-term health damage for billions of people worldwide.
Study Tracks Heat Exposure and Biological Age
Researchers followed 25,000 adults in Taiwan over 15 years, comparing their exposure to heatwaves with their biological age, a measure of overall health. The study found that experiencing just four additional heatwave days over two years increased biological age by around nine days, while manual workers, who spend more time outdoors, saw increases of up to 33 days. While modest over a short period, the effects could accumulate over decades, potentially raising the risk of disease and death.
Implications for Public Health
The study, published in Nature Climate Change, measured biological age through blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol, and organ function. Findings indicate that the total number of heatwave days had the greatest impact on accelerated ageing, likely linked to DNA damage. While some effects diminished over time, protective measures such as seeking shade or using air conditioning mitigated harm. Experts note that older and less healthy populations may be even more vulnerable, highlighting the need for urgent action to address heat exposure as a public health concern.
