Is Enduring the Heat Enough?... Unknowingly, Our Bodies Were Aging Faster

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According to research, repeated exposure to heat wavesA heat wave is a phenomenon in which temperatures are significantly higher than the annual average for an extended period. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, a "heat wave advisory" is issued when the maximum temperature is expected to remain at or above 33℃ for more than two days, and a "heat wave warning" is issued when the maximum temperature is expected to remain at or above 35℃ for more than two days. can cause the human body to experience 'accelerated agingAccelerated aging refers to a phenomenon in which biological aging progresses faster than normal due to repeated exposure to environmental factors such as heat waves. In other words, the decline in physical function occurs more rapidly than expected for one's actual age.'. This means that, beyond the immediate risks of shortness of breath and heatstroke, heat waves can have devastating effects on lifelong health.

Professor Guo Cui's research team at the University of Hong Kong

In a paper published in the international journal Nature Climate Change, the researchers stated, "Heat waves accelerate the decline of physical functions, and in the long term, they advance 'biological age,' which is directly linked to lifespan." They found that in certain groups living in environments with high exposure to heat waves, biological age was accelerated by up to 14 months.

A large-scale study tracking 20,000 people over 15 years

The research team tracked the health data of 24,922 Taiwanese adults over 15 years, from 2008 to 2022. By analyzing various physiological indicators such as blood pressure, inflammation levels, cholesterol, and lung, liver, and kidney function, they calculated each participant's "biological age" and compared it to the number of days exposed to heat waves.

The team found that when the period of heat wave exposure increased by the interquartile range (IQR), participants' biological age increased on average 8 to 11 days faster.

*Interquartile range: The range representing the middle 50% of data values

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In particular, the researchers explained that for those whose number of heat wave days increased by just 4 days over two years, their biological age accelerated by an average of 9 days. But that's not all.

Outdoor workers

The impact was even more pronounced for people who spent long hours in the heat. During the same period, the biological age of outdoor workers increased an average of 33 days faster.

Regions with fewer air conditioners installed

Residents in areas with a lower air conditioner penetration rate also experienced faster aging than the general population.

Rural residents

Those living in rural areas, where cooling environments are poorer than in cities, were also more severely affected.

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Experts view these findings as more than just the immediate damages of heat waves. Since heat waves can lead to a decline in physical function and accelerate aging, they are interpreted as a long-term health risk.

Professor Guo Cui's warning

"The effects of heat waves may seem minor in terms of numbers, but when exposure is repeated over decades, the negative health impact snowballs."

Evaluation by Professor Paul Beggs of Macquarie University, Australia

"You might think you've endured the heat wave without issue, but in reality, your body's aging process may be accelerating."

"Last year, a study found that childhood exposure to heat waves could harm brain development. This time, we've directly confirmed accelerated aging in adults," he said. "The effects of heat waves can impact people throughout their entire lives, regardless of age."

*Limitations of the study

The researchers considered factors such as participants' weight, smoking and exercise habits, pre-existing conditions, and the air conditioner penetration rate in their residential area. However, they acknowledged that detailed variables such as individual outdoor activity time or use of cooling devices could not be fully accounted for. Therefore, the team added that further studies including a wider range of variables are needed.

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Korea is no exception. This summer, with record-breaking heat waves and severe tropical nightsA phenomenon in which the minimum temperature stays at or above 25℃ overnight., the nation has seen a surge in heat-related illnesses and emergencies.

'Record-breaking heat wave' hits Korea

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, this summer (July to August), the cumulative number of heat-related illness cases exceeded 4,000, with 26 deaths reported.

22 consecutive tropical nights in Seoul

Seoul recorded 22 consecutive tropical nights, breaking the record for the most tropical nights in 117 years. On some nights, the minimum temperature soared to 29.3 degrees Celsius, resulting in many "sleepless nights."

Surge in illnesses caused by heat waves

There was also a spike in emergencies such as heatstroke, with over 100 people visiting emergency rooms in a single day on some occasions. Experts warned, "If such heat waves become the norm, they could pose not just inconvenience but a long-term threat to public health."