Love The Hot Summer Tan? But It Could Be Really Ageing You Faster

The erratic weather changes throughout 2024 have caused many people to worry how the summer heat will affect them. According to the world Meteorology organization 2025 will be the third warmest year after 2023 and 2024. Based on the data from the World Population Review 2024, there are a few places that experience a lot of sunlight and heat in which Hawaii comes first, and Florida is second. Florida has long been considered the retirement state of United States. It's got beautiful beaches, and the weather is warm all year long. This makes it sound like a perfect place to relax and enjoy your golden years. However, new research is making some people think twice. Scientists have found that the very thing that makes Florida so appealing – the hot weather – might actually make people age faster. This is important for older adults because they are more sensitive to high temperatures. So, while Florida offers a lot of great things for retirement, the constant heat is something to consider if you're thinking about moving there.

How Your Body Ages Faster?

When we talk about age, we usually mean how many years we've been alive. That's called your chronological age. But there's another kind of age called biological age. This is about how well your body is aging from the inside. It looks at things like your genes, your lifestyle, and your overall health. Published in the Science Advances journal that too long sun exposure has been shown to cause quick aging. Think of it like this: two people can be the same age, but one might be much healthier than the other. Scientists have found that if your biological age is higher than your chronological age, you're more likely to get sick and have a shorter life. In fact, some scientists believe that your biological age is a better way to tell how healthy you are than just looking at how many birthdays you've had.

Impact of Heat on Aging

As mentioned above, heat ages us a lot more than we normally do, which means that living in a place with consistently high temperatures, like Florida, could speed up your biological aging process. Florida summers are known for being very hot, with temperatures often reaching the 90s. This is a big deal for older people because their bodies have a harder time dealing with extreme heat. This research suggests that retirees who choose to live in Florida might need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the heat, and that the heat itself could be having a negative effect on their bodies.

How to Prepare For A Heat Wave?

Heat and dehydration can lead to complications like low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. They can also experience early labor, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. According to UNICEF, very hot weather can be harmful to anyone, but some people are especially vulnerable. Babies, young children, pregnant women, and older adults need extra care during heat waves. Children struggle to control their body temperature compared to adults, making them more susceptible to heat-related problems.

Pregnant women also face increased risks as dehydration can be very dangerous for them and they rely on adults for protection. Here are some ways you can protect yourself during these temperatures:

Stay Informed

Check weather forecasts daily. Keep an emergency heat kit with rehydration salts, a thermometer, and cooling tools. Know how to contact doctors and emergency services quickly.

Keep Your Home Cool

Block sunlight with curtains during the day and open windows at night for airflow. Use fans or coolers to lower indoor temperatures, creating a safer environment.

Avoid the Hottest hours

Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings when it's cooler. Use sunscreen, find shade, and wear hats to protect yourself from strong sun.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water before feeling thirsty. Wear light, loose cotton clothes. Carry water and a wet towel to cool down. Find local cooling centers or use health facility waiting areas.