Researchers have found that living in very hot regions can make the body age up to 14 months faster by altering gene expression
When thinking about the risks of high temperatures it is common to think of burns, heat stroke and dehydration. But science has shown that heat damage goes far beyond the surface of the skin. A new study by Leonard Davis School of Gerontologyof the University of the South Californiarevealed that prolonged exposure to intense heat can accelerate biological aging, an effect comparable to smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
The researchers found that living in very hot places, such as Phoenix, Houston AND Miamithey can “wear out” the body from the inside, altering cellular functioning and increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Heat and aging: the silent impact
According to scientists, people living in extremely hot climates may be up to 14 months older in biological age than those living in colder regions. This means that the body ages faster than the time marked on the calendar.
With the global increase in temperatures, this type of exposure is no longer an isolated event: extreme heat has become a daily stress factor, capable of compromising the functioning of organs and accelerating inflammatory and hormonal processes.
What is biological aging?
Unlike chronological age, which we count in years, biological aging reflects the actual state of cells and organs. Even if two people are the same age, one may have an “older” body in terms of internal functioning.
The study shows that heat can affect DNA without directly altering it, changing the way genes are expressed. This process, called epigenetics, works as a sort of “cellular memory”. As the body adapts to chronic heat, it can begin to accumulate biological signs that accelerate aging.
The epigenetic clock: the body feels heat
To measure these effects, the researchers analyzed DNA methylation patterns, a tool that estimates the biological age of cells. The results were clear: individuals living in warmer areas show older genetic profiles. Extreme heat causes inflammation, oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances, requiring greater effort from the heart, brain and kidneys, systems that, over time, become overloaded.
The cardiovascular system is one of the first to feel its effects. In high temperatures, the heart needs to pump harder to keep the body cool, which can lead to high blood pressure and chronic fatigue. The brain also suffers: prolonged exposure to heat can affect memory, concentration and mood, as well as increasing the risk of anxiety. The kidneys work at a rapid pace to conserve water, increasing the risk of dehydration, kidney stones and long-term kidney damage.
Can it reverse the effects?
The good news is that some of this damage can be slowed or even reversed. Improving nutrition, sleeping well, staying hydrated and reducing exposure to heat are attitudes that help preserve cellular health. The use of air conditioning, fans and shaded environments is not a luxury. It is an active prevention against biological aging and cardiovascular diseases. Avoiding outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, wearing light clothing and drinking plenty of water also makes a difference.
Even though we can’t control the weather, we can adapt. With healthy habits, smarter cities and public policies aimed at prevention, it is possible to age well, even on a planet that is warming ever faster.
Source: Terra
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