Phoenix’s relentless high temperatures do more than trigger heat strokes and heart issues — they may be fast-tracking the aging process at a genetic level, according to fresh research published in Science Advances.
The study tracked older adults across varied U.S. climates. It discovered that individuals living in sweltering regions like Phoenix, where heat indices soar past 90°F for half the year, show biological markers of being about 14 months older than peers in cooler places such as Seattle.
Scientists assessed DNA samples from over 3,600 people aged 56 and above. They examined chemical modifications called methylation, which influence gene activity. Findings revealed that prolonged heat exposure alters these patterns, speeding up what’s termed “epigenetic aging.”
Lead researcher Eunyoung Choi likened the impact of extreme heat to harmful lifestyle habits like heavy drinking or smoking.
This type of accelerated aging is tied to earlier onset of illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and memory decline. Boston University gerontologist Deborah Carr noted that such conditions not only strain individuals but also ripple out to burden families, caregivers, and the broader healthcare system.
With climate change intensifying, scientists predict a sharp rise in scorching days across the country. Older populations, whose bodies handle heat less effectively, face heightened risks.
Experts now emphasize the need for personalized studies focusing on indoor heat conditions. Access to cooling systems, housing quality, and socioeconomic factors could influence vulnerability, paving the way for targeted interventions.
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