Heat can age you as much as smoking, a new study finds
Briefly

A recent study reveals that living in extreme heat, such as Phoenix, can accelerate biological aging, making individuals appear about 14 months older compared to those in cooler areas. This heat not only increases the risk of immediate health issues, such as heat stroke, but also has long-term impacts on health, linking premature aging to conditions like dementia and cardiovascular disease. Experts stress the broader societal impacts, including increased healthcare costs and burdens on families and caregivers.
The study shows that prolonged heat exposure can modify gene behavior, speeding up aging at the molecular level, akin to the effects of smoking and drinking.
Those living in extremely hot areas like Phoenix may appear biologically about 14 months older compared to individuals in cooler locales, affecting their overall health.
The strain of premature aging impacts not just individuals but families and society, linked to earlier health issues and increased healthcare costs.
As premature aging progresses, people face earlier health problems which strain their lives, caregiving, and productivity in significant ways.
Read at www.npr.org
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