Heatwaves can make you age faster, study finds
A recent study says that repeated heatwave exposure can actually speed up how quickly our bodies age—way beyond just feeling tired or sweaty.
With heatwaves becoming more common in recent years, this could be a bigger deal than we thought.
Outdoor workers at greater risk
Researchers tracked 25,000 adults in Taiwan for 15 years and found that every four extra heatwave days over two years made people biologically nine days "older."
Outdoor workers had it worse, aging up to 33 days faster.
A similar US study showed outdoor heat accelerated aging among older adults.
Protecting ourselves from extreme heat is becoming a real health priority
Scientists think DNA damage might explain this fast-forward effect.
Older adults and those with health issues are especially vulnerable.
With heatwaves getting more common and fossil fuel emissions peaking in 2024, protecting ourselves from extreme heat is becoming a real health priority—not just about staying cool, but about staying healthy long-term.