Heatwaves Might Accelerate Aging Similar to Smoking or Alcohol Consumption

A recent study indicates that repeated exposure to heatwaves can speed up the body’s biological ageing process at a level comparable to smoking or drinking.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong analysed medical data from nearly 25,000 Taiwanese individuals over 14 years, comparing health markers with participants’ likely heatwave exposure based on their home addresses.

Published in Nature Climate Change, the study found a direct link between higher heatwave exposure and increased scores on biological markers of accelerated ageing. Unlike chronological age, which counts years, biological age measures the functional health of cells, tissues, and organs. Moving between exposure groups corresponded to a rise in biological age of 0.023 to 0.031 years.

The findings place heatwave exposure alongside lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption in its potential effect on ageing. The study underscores the physiological stress a warming planet can place on human health.

“Previous research has shown the harmful effects of heatwaves on age-related health conditions, especially among the elderly, suggesting that ageing could be an important modifiable factor in response to heatwaves,” the researchers wrote.

“Understanding the relationship between heatwaves and ageing helps explain the mechanisms behind their health impacts and can guide population adaptation strategies to climate change.”