A new study published in Science Advances magazine suggests that exposure to extreme temperatures may cause rapid aging. Elderly individuals living in the hot regions of the United States, compared to those living in the cold regions were found to age faster at the molecular level.

The research examined the biological or epigenetic ages of people. These measurements are based on the molecular and cellular functions of a person’s body and do not always match the chronological age. Exposure to long -term heat can cause an increase of up to 2.48 years at biological age. Researchers compare the effects of extreme heat on the body on the effects of smoking.

Effects of Climate Change

As the effects of climate change increase, extreme temperatures are increasingly becoming an important problem for countries and society. The new research shows that beyond the hot impact, extreme temperatures may have longer term and difficult noticeable effects.

Eun Young Choi, the chief author of the study, says that the effects of extreme temperature may not emerge immediately, but may pay a quiet price at a cellular and molecular level. This can lead to disability and diseases years later.

The research examined blood samples from 56 years and over 3,686 years of age living in the USA. These examples were compared with temperature and humidity data between 2010-2016. There was a relationship between excessive heat exposure and increase in epigenetic age. In the half of the year, people living in regions where the heat index was 32 ° C or above experienced 14 months more biological aging than those living in less hot areas.

Researchers say that some important data, such as access to cooling opportunities such as air conditioning, are not included in the study and therefore further research should be done. However, the results of these studies may provide important information about the measures to be taken to stay healthy in our heated world.