Heatwaves are making people age faster, study warns
The demographics at risk of ageing due to heatwaves
- A new study warns that repeated exposure to heatwaves, which are growing more frequent due to climate change, may accelerate ageing.
- The research, published in Nature Climate Change, analysed data from nearly 25,000 adults in Taiwan over 15 years, finding a link between cumulative heatwave exposure and accelerated biological ageing.
- Manual workers, rural residents, and individuals in communities with fewer air conditioning units were identified as particularly susceptible to these ageing impacts.
- Despite participants showing some adaptation to heatwave conditions over time, the study indicated that the detrimental health effects did not disappear.
- The findings underscore the need for policies to reduce environmental inequalities, enhance heatwave resilience, and provide targeted protection for vulnerable populations.