Aging may speed up in areas with extreme heat, research suggests
People living in areas with more days of hot weather appear to age faster at a molecular level than residents of cooler regions, according to the study, which was published in the journal Science Advances.
The effect was shown to accelerate "biological aging," the researchers found, raising new concerns about how it could affect long-term health.
Dementia Risk Could Be Lowered By Doing This For 5 Minutes A Day: Study
While chronological age is based on birthdate, biological age is measured by how well the body functions at the molecular level, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Having a biological age greater than your chronological age is associated with a higher risk of disease and death.
Read On The Fox News App
Likewise, extreme heat (categorized as 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above) has long been associated with health issues, including increased risk of death, the SWNS report stated.
In the study, senior author Jennifer Ailshire (professor of gerontology and sociology at the USC Leonard Davis School) and co-author Eunyoung Choi (a USC Leonard Davis postdoctoral scholar) examined how biological age changed over a six-year period in thousands of U.S. participants, all aged 56 and older.
Blood samples taken at various points were analyzed for certain changes — called "epigenetic changes" — in how individual genes are turned "on or off," the press release stated.
One Man Knows The Secrets Of Living A Long, Healthy Life, And It's All About One Activity
The research team used mathematical tools called "epigenetic clocks" to analyze these patterns and estimate biological ages, as SWNS reported.
They then compared older participants' changes in biological age to their locations' heat index history and number of heat days reported by the National Weather Service from 2010 to 2016.
The analysis revealed a "significant correlation" between areas with more days of extreme heat and individuals experiencing greater increases in biological age, even after adjusting for other factors.
"Participants living in areas where heat days — defined as 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher — occur half the year, such as Phoenix, Arizona, experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging compared to those living in areas with fewer than 10 heat days per year," said Choi in a press release.
Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter
The study used heat index, rather than just air temperature, to take relative humidity into account, Ailshire noted in the release.
"It's really about the combination of heat and humidity," said Ailshire.
"Particularly for older adults, because [they] 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."
Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician based in Jacksonville, Florida, spoke to Fox News Digital about what he has noticed regarding heat and aging in his field.
"I've observed a notable rise in hospitalizations and heat-related incidents among older adults, particularly during last summer's record-breaking temperatures in Northeast [Florida]," said Scuderi, who was not involved in the study.
Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter
Certain medications, such as antidepressants and heart medications like beta blockers, can further impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, which increases the likelihood of heat-related illness, according to the doctor.
Some chronic health conditions can also change the body's normal reaction to heat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website states.
Scuderi offered a few tips to help people beat the heat.
Those include scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, maintaining proper hydration, and checking all medications with a family physician to identify any potential issues.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Another tip from the CDC is to drink water before feeling the sensation of thirst.
IMAGE
"If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather," the website recommends.
Next steps for the research team will be to determine what other factors could make someone more vulnerable to heat-related biological aging and how it might connect to health.
In the meantime, Ailshire noted that the findings could prompt policymakers, architects and others to keep heat mitigation and age-friendly features in mind as they update urban infrastructure, such as building bus stops with shaded areas, planting more trees and increasing urban green spaces.Original article source: Aging may speed up in areas with extreme heat, research suggests
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Horror as Woman Returns to 100F Car After Hours, Realizes Who Was Inside
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A heartbreaking scare involving a cat sneaking into a car and being left in there for hours when it was 100 degrees outside is serving as a reminder for pet parents to take extra precautions in extreme heat. Kadyn Shelby said they received a worried call from their mother who lives about an hour away, about one of the cats, Ditto. This cat follows Shelby's mom everywhere. However, that habit led the feline into the car without Shelby's mother realizing. "She had went to get her laptop from her truck earlier in the day, and didn't realize Ditto had jumped in," Shelby told Newsweek via Reddit. "...My mom said Ditto had been in there for seven or eight hours, and when she went to the truck to grab something else, she found Ditto panting heavily and limp on the floor next to the pedals with vomit and feces around her." Temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit that entire week in Arkansas, Shelby said. Car interiors can reach dangerously hot temperatures as they can trap superheated air, endangering people and pets if left inside for too long. Panic overcame Shelby's mother about what to do, especially as all the local veterinarian clinics were closed by 7 p.m. Shelby then posted a video of Ditto's condition last week to the subreddit channel r/CATHELP, asking for advice on how to help cool down the cat until the feline could see a vet. The family got in contact with a local vet they have become well-acquainted with who suggested they give Ditto small amounts of water manually every other minute. To increase her energy levels, give her a bit of honey. "I told my mom to put cool, not cold, water on Ditto's paws, and put a cool rag underneath her, too," Shelby said. Shelby, their brother and mother stayed with Ditto throughout the night, manually giving her water through a pipette. Eventually, she cooled down, but she became a bit too cold, which is when Shelby sought advice from Reddit. The family kept doing what they were doing, with the doctor offering to see her as soon as she could in the morning if Ditto made it through the night. "Somehow, Ditto started to slowly inch herself more and more upwards and even drank on her own!" Shelby said. "I made update posts since, showing her slow improvements over the next 24 hours. We were genuinely so hopeful when she started drinking on her own, but we still were clenched in case the worst happened." But the worst was over. She turned a corner and began walking throughout the night. She jumped from the bathroom counter and used the litter box. Ditto even ate again. Ditto received IV fluids and antibiotics first thing in the morning when the vet clinic opened. The doctor recommended keeping her hydrated and inside. Thankfully, every day since the accident, Ditto has gotten stronger. She now plays, purrs, rolls over and suckles on blankets, Shelby said. The only thing she hates is that she is still not allowed outside. Shelby and their mother are thinking of giving her a "catio," which will help regulate Ditto's time outside, especially as the state's weather fluctuates. Screenshot from a Reddit video of a cat's condition after being accidentally left in a car for about seven to eight hours in 100 degree weather. Screenshot from a Reddit video of a cat's condition after being accidentally left in a car for about seven to eight hours in 100 degree weather. crunchiestmilk/Reddit Reddit Users React Shelby said Reddit users first flooded their posts with negative feedback, claiming they were animal abusers. But they discovered many pet parents have gone through similar situations. "...Overall, it's been a generously kind and heartwarming moment in the community," Shelby said. "Lots have been hoping for Ditto to make a quick recovery, and she is. I've been showing my mom all the love and support that she's been getting, and my grandma calls Ditto the superstar of the family now." One Reddit user commented: "Sweetheart, I'd like to give you a hug and remind you to breathe. You're doing the absolute best you can. No one could do more. Just get that baby to 7 a.m. if you can." Another user added: "I'm so sorry this happened. Years ago, I made a mistake that ended up with one of my babies not making it and it haunts me to this day. I pray that things will go better for y'all. But even if they don't, please let your mother know that accidents happen."
New York Post
7 hours ago
- New York Post
Mom with Lyme disease reveals what Justin Timberlake may be going through: ‘It's a terrible thing to live with'
A mom and daughter both suffering from Lyme disease have revealed what life might be like for Justin Timberlake living with the 'relentlessly debilitating' condition. After enjoying a career as a pageant queen, Kirstie Haysman, 36, was left unable to leave her house in 2015 after being struck down by the bacterial infection, spread to humans through infected ticks. Lyme disease is known to cause high temperature, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, and loss of energy. Justin announced on his Instagram page yesterday (31) that he's been suffering from Lyme disease throughout his tour. Kirstie's daughter, Harriet, 13, was given a test for the disease in 2023, which came back positive in July 2024. 6 After enjoying a career as a pageant queen, Kirstie Haysman, 36, was left unable to leave her house in 2015 after being struck down by the bacterial infection, spread to humans through infected ticks. Kirstie Haysman / SWNS The secondary school student now struggles with 'seizure-like' blackouts and extreme fatigue. Kirstie has offered support on behalf of herself and her daughter to Justin Timberlake, who revealed yesterday [August 1] he's living with the disease. Kirstie, who is now unable to work, from Watford, Hertfordshire, said: '[Lyme disease] is a devastating diagnosis and our hearts really do go out to him. 'I'm sure Justin is realizing now that it affects everything – it's your nervous system, your joints, and chronic fatigue. 6 Justin Timberlake announced on his Instagram page that he's been suffering from Lyme disease throughout his tour. Amy Harris/Invision/AP 'The chronic fatigue, especially, is something you can't even fathom until you're in it. 'Justin's gone very viral within one of my Lyme disease support groups – I'm sure a lot of people within the group will be reaching out to him with words of support.' Kirstie says she first started experiencing symptoms of what she now knows is Lyme disease in 2015. Her health continued to deteriorate after an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and Kirstie says her hands became 'disfigured' – leaving her with painful, swollen joints and unable to pick things up. 6 'Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don't say so you feel bad for me, but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes,' Timberlake wrote on his Instagram. AP Following further tests, she was told the long-term use of steroids had led to her bones deteriorating – with a rheumatologist telling her she had 'the bones of a 70-year-old.' In January 2023, an acquaintance suggested she might be suffering from Lyme disease, and Kirstie began researching the condition. She organised to travel to Mexico for blood tests specifically for Lyme disease in February and was left shocked when the results came back positive. After returning to the UK with her diagnosis, Kirstie says she was put on three different antibiotics on a 12-month course and says she has also used herbal remedies to try to combat the illness. Worrying about passing the disease onto Harriet, Kirstie decided to get her tested – but in July 2024, the results came back positive. Online reports say 'Lyme disease cannot be inherited'. MedlinePlus, part of the National Library of Medicine, says 'the risk of certain complications of the condition may be influenced by inherited genetic factors, but the inheritance pattern is unknown'. 'It's hellish, to be honest,' Kirstie said. 'Once you've got Lyme disease chronically, you have to live with it for the rest of your life – it doesn't go away. 'My daughter has it now – two months ago, further tests showed it's caused deficiencies in iron and folic acid. 'It affects us differently – while mine has left me in a wheelchair, Harriet's is very neurological. 'She experiences blackouts, almost like seizures, and migraines, which means she often has to sit in a dark room in school to recover. 6 Kirstie says she first started experiencing symptoms of what she now knows is Lyme disease in 2015. Kirstie Haysman / SWNS 'If she has something like sports day, she'll be bedridden for days afterwards.' Kirstie has offered advice to Justin Timberlake after he announced his diagnosis. The singer wrote in an Instagram post: 'As many of you know, I'm a pretty private person. 'But as I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour, I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me. 6 Haysman's health continued to deteriorate after an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and Kirstie says her hands became 'disfigured' – leaving her with painful, swollen joints and unable to pick things up. Kirstie Haysman / SWNS 'Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don't say so you feel bad for me, but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes. 'If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. 'When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure. 6 Kirstie Haysman has offered advice to Justin Timberlake after he announced his diagnosis. Kirstie Haysman / SWNS 'But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.' Kirstie added: 'It's devastating for him, and we're heartbroken. 'There's no positive spin – it's a terrible thing to live with.'
New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Out-of-this-world cosmic shots from the International Space Station: photos
NASA astronaut, Donald Pettit, has gained a distinguished reputation for his show-stopping photography from the International Space Station. Now safely returned to Earth, the spaceman has taken time to reveal more of his incredible pictures. Pettit has completed four spaceflights, accumulating a total of 590 days in space, making him one of NASA's most experienced astronauts. His last mission saw him spend 220 days on the station, before landing in Kazakhstan on April 20, which was also his 70th birthday. 1 of 12 Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station during his 2024 mission. NASA / SWNS 2 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Cosmic colors at sunrise; never get tired of seeing what the new day brings.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 3 of 12 Don Pettit: 'High resolution star trail from the SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon, marked by a fleet of flashing Starlink satellites, glowing atmosphere, soon to rise sun, and arcing stars.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 4 of 12 Don Pettit: 'From orbit, star trails streak the lights of cities at night and stamp lightning flashes into the time history, pulling spectacular colors from the darkness of space.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 5 of 12 Don Pettit: 'SpaceX Dragon flies between the stars of deep space, and a sea of clouds lit by the red upper atmospheric airglow.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 6 of 12 'The city lights of Southeast Asia beneath the Milky Way. Vibrant colors of LED cities, orange atmospheric airglow, and fishing fleets are blurred by my sidereal drive, while tracking stars as fixed points in space.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 7 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Auroras above Andromeda.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 8 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Star trail from the ISS showing sequential lightning flashes on Earth below streaking stars in deep space.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 9 of 12 Don Pettit: 'ISS orbiting the sunlit shores of Greece, while Italy sinks into clouds below, and Turkey approaches on the horizon. 3 peninsulas with rich and ancient histories.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 10 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Dragon flying among the stars.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 11 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Color of Earth meets the blackness of deep space. Stars above green and red auroras, seen as fixed points due to my homemade orbital sidereal drive.' Don Pettit / ISS / SWNS 12 of 12 Don Pettit: 'Depths of space meets depths of the Pacific Ocean.' Don Pettit/ISS / SWNS
