Study links extreme heat exposure to accelerated aging, raising health concerns for India’s summer | Representational Image
Lucknow: As India braces for another scorching summer, a new study from the United States has sent alarm bells ringing for beauty-conscious individuals and public health experts alike. The research suggests that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can accelerate biological aging, raising concerns amid forecasts of record-high temperatures in the coming months.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has revealed that exposure to extreme heat may significantly hasten biological aging in older adults. The study analyzed blood samples from over 3,600 adults aged 56 and above across the United States between 2010 and 2016, examining the relationship between heat exposure and biological aging.
Published in the journal Science Advances on February 26, 2025, the study, titled “Ambient Outdoor Heat and Accelerated Epigenetic Aging among Older Adults in the U.S.,” underscores the long-term health consequences of high temperatures.
Biological age, which reflects how well the body functions at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, was measured using epigenetic clocks. These clocks assess DNA methylation patterns in participants’ blood samples to estimate biological age, which was then compared to heat index data from their residential areas.
The findings indicated a strong correlation between increased heat exposure and accelerated biological aging. Specifically, individuals residing in areas with frequent extreme heat events experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging compared to those living in cooler regions. This effect remained significant even after accounting for socioeconomic status, lifestyle choices, and other demographic variables.
The study highlights that older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Researchers pointed out that the heat index, which factors in humidity levels alongside air temperature, plays a crucial role in assessing heat-related risks.
“It is really about the combination of heat and humidity, particularly for older adults, because older adults don’t sweat the same way. We start to lose our ability to have the skin-cooling effect that comes from that evaporation of sweat,” the study stated. “If you’re in a high humidity place, you don’t get as much of that cooling effect. You have to look at your area’s temperature and humidity to really understand what your risk might be.”
Relevance for India’s Sweltering Summer
This research holds particular significance for India, which is expected to face extreme temperatures in the coming months. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-average temperatures for March 2025, following an unusually warm February. By the end of March, maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in several states, posing serious health risks.
Dr. RS K Pandey, former Medical Officer of Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow emphasized the potential health implications: “Extended periods of extreme heat can lead to various health issues, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The recent findings linking heat exposure to accelerated biological aging add another layer of concern, especially for our aging population.”
Public health experts are advocating for immediate heat mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. Dr. Anjali Verma, a public health specialist at the King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, stressed the importance of awareness and preparedness. “It’s crucial to educate people about the dangers of extreme heat and implement community-based interventions to safeguard our elderly population,” she said.
Urgent Need for Heat Mitigation Measures
The study’s results indicate that extreme heat may have subtle yet damaging effects on the body’s biological aging process. As global temperatures continue to rise, implementing effective public health measures is imperative.
Experts suggest adopting urban cooling strategies, such as expanding green spaces, enhancing tree cover, and promoting cool roofs in cities. Additionally, providing access to air-conditioned environments, ensuring proper hydration for outdoor workers, and developing localized heat action plans can help mitigate risks.
As India prepares for an intense summer, the latest research underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect public health. With extreme heat now linked to accelerated aging, addressing climate-related health risks is no longer just an environmental issue but a crucial aspect of public well-being.
