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Extreme Heat Waves Accelerate Aging, Alarming Study Finds
25 Aug
Summary
- 2-year heat wave exposure can speed up biological aging by 8-12 days
- Older adults and those without air conditioning most vulnerable
- Climate change making heat waves more intense and frequent
According to a study published on August 25, 2025, living through extreme heat waves can significantly accelerate the rate of biological aging. Researchers analyzed 15 years of health data from nearly 25,000 adults in Taiwan and discovered that just 2 years of heat wave exposure can speed up a person's biological aging by 8 to 12 extra days.
While this may not seem like a lot, the researchers caution that the impact builds up over time, especially as climate change makes heat waves more intense and long-lasting. Certain groups, such as older adults and those without access to air conditioning, are particularly vulnerable to this accelerated aging.
The study found that factors like exercise, smoking, and pre-existing conditions can also influence how heat affects a person's biological age. Experts say this research highlights the serious health risks posed by the growing threat of extreme heat, which has already caused record-breaking temperatures across the globe in recent years. As the world's population continues to age, finding ways to protect people from the damaging effects of heat waves will be crucial for public health.
