"The researchers are not talking about the effects of solar radiation on the skin, but biological aging. Unlike chronological age-that answer that you give when asked how old you are-your biological age reflects how well your cells, tissues, and organs are functioning. Biological age can be calculated by looking at physiological and molecular markers in the body as well as by using various tests, for instance by measuring lung function, cognitive ability, or bone density."
"Over time, the research found, exposure to extreme heat can weaken bodily systems, which shows up in tests of people's blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood function. In the long term, this can increase the risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. The research, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that the aging effect of extreme heat was comparable to other behaviors known to be harmful to the body, such as smoking or drinking alcohol."
"The researchers analyzed the long-term medical data of 24,922 people in Taiwan, collected between 2008 and 2022. During that time, the island experienced about 30 heat waves-defined by the research team as periods of high temperature lasting for several days. The researchers first calculated the biological age of the individuals, based on the results of various medical tests, such as liver, lung, and kidney function tests."
Extreme heat exposure accelerates biological aging by impairing physiological systems, producing measurable declines in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood function. Biological age, determined from physiological and molecular markers and tests like lung function, cognitive ability, and bone density, can progress faster than chronological age after repeated heat-wave exposure. Accelerated biological aging from extreme heat increases long-term risks for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. Analysis of long-term medical data from 24,922 people in Taiwan between 2008 and 2022, across about 30 multi-day heat waves, found greater exposure correlated with faster biological aging comparable to smoking or alcohol consumption.
Read at WIRED
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