As temperatures continue to surge, Arizonans are basking in the benefits of consistent vitamin D exposure, but a new study from the University of Southern California is shedding light on some grave long-term impacts of extreme heat. According to research highlighted by FOX 10 Phoenix, those exposed to higher temperatures may not only have to contend with sun damage but also face accelerated internal aging similar to health risks posed by smoking.
After analyzing blood samples from over 3,600 older adults, scientists found that prolonged exposure to heat can lead to quickly age a person's biology compared to peers in cooler climates. Dr. Joshua Tournas elucidated the findings, stating, "This article is talking about exposure to heat simply as being an accelerator of intrinsic aging," in an interview obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. The risk, as per Tournas, isn't isolated to matured age groups as damage from the sun and heat exposure "starts early on."
Further buttressing USC's findings, a parallel study suggested that living in neighborhoods afflicted by more days of extreme heat could precipitate the aging process in adults 56 and above by up to an entire year. Jennifer Ailshire, a professor of gerontology at USC and senior author of the study, mentioned to ABC7 New York, "As we age, we actually lose our ability to regulate that heat away from our body." Ailshire also pointed to older adults' unique vulnerabilities due to changes in skin evaporation processes.
In light of these findings, experts assert the importance of adopting measures to help offset these age-accelerating effects of extreme heat. Suggestions for urban planners and policymakers include considering heat mitigation when updating city infrastructure. The idea is to quickly create cooler environments through strategic tree plantings and the construction of shaded areas. The goal is to ultimately integrate age-friendly features that acknowledge the increasing instances of extreme weather due to climate change.
For the general public, staying informed and finding ways to stay cool remain crucial. Links to various resources offering tips on sun and heat safety can be found at the websites of the Arizona Department of Health Services, the FDA, the EPA, and the National Weather Service, offering residents practical advice on how to protect themselves from the rising temperatures.
