Heatwaves Found to Accelerate Ageing, Study Warns

Heatwaves Found to Accelerate Ageing, Study Warns
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Repeated exposure to heatwaves accelerates biological ageing, posing significant long-term health risks, according to a recent study reported by The Guardian. Researchers tracked 25,000 people in Taiwan over 15 years, finding that increased heatwave days corresponded with a rise in biological age—a key indicator of overall health.

For instance, experiencing four additional heatwave days over two years was linked to about nine days of accelerated ageing, with manual laborers affected more severely. The study emphasizes that while short-term heatwaves are known to increase premature deaths, the lasting impact on ageing and health has been underrecognized.

Biological ageing is a strong predictor of mortality risk, meaning the cumulative effect of heatwaves over decades could be substantial. Experts warn that with climate change driving more frequent and intense heat events, the health consequences could worsen. The research accounted for factors such as smoking, exercise, and pre-existing conditions, but noted gaps in data on individual air conditioning use and time spent outdoors.

While some reduction in heat’s harmful effects was observed over time—likely due to behavioral adaptations—the overall findings point to a major public health concern. Scientists call for further investigation to fully understand the mechanisms behind heat-induced ageing.