Is the Philippine heat aging you faster? The science says maybe!

If you’ve ever felt like the heat in the Philippines is draining the life out of you, science might actually back you up. A new study suggests that living in hot climates may accelerate biological aging, potentially adding up to 2.48 years to your biological age. Researchers found that frequent exposure to extreme heat might impact DNA at a cellular level, similar to the effects of smoking.

What the study found

Scientists from the University of Southern California analyzed blood samples from over 3,600 adults aged 55 and older and compared their biological age—measured using "epigenetic clocks"—to temperature records in their living areas.

Their findings showed that:

• People living in hotter regions aged faster than those in cooler areas.
• Living in areas with 140+ extreme heat days per year could make someone biologically 14 months older than those in cooler climates.
• The link between heat and aging remained strong even when factoring in lifestyle, diet, income, and overall health habits.

Understanding heat risks

Why is this important for Filipinos?

With the Philippines experiencing some of the hottest and most humid weather in the world, this research hits close to home. The combination of high temperatures and extreme humidity makes heat exposure even more dangerous here, as it limits the body’s ability to cool down through sweating.

Scientists believe that heat may accelerate aging by:

• Causing cellular stress – High temperatures can disrupt normal cell function, leading to faster deterioration.
• Increasing inflammation – Chronic heat exposure is linked to higher inflammation levels, which contribute to aging-related diseases.
• Altering DNA – Heat might modify gene expression, affecting how the body repairs itself over time.

Should Filipinos be concerned?

The study does not claim causation, meaning heat is linked to faster aging but may not be the direct cause. However, extreme heat is already a serious issue in the Philippines, especially for:

• Outdoor workers who spend hours under the sun
• Households without proper ventilation or air conditioning
• Elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses
• Urban dwellers in heat-trapping concrete jungles

How Filipinos can stay cool and slow down aging

• Hydrate frequently – The high humidity in the Philippines increases dehydration risk. Drink more water than you think you need.
• Find natural cooling solutions – Electric fans help, but adding plants or reflective roofs can also reduce indoor temperatures.
• Wear breathable clothing – Light, loose-fitting fabrics allow air to circulate and keep your body cooler.
• Time outdoor activities wisely – Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when heat levels peak.
• Support city cooling initiatives – Push for more trees, shaded walkways, and better ventilation in public spaces.

The bigger picture

As climate change intensifies, extreme heat will become even more common in the Philippines. While individual precautions help, experts say the country needs long-term urban planning and heat adaptation strategies—such as greener spaces, better infrastructure, and improved heat warning systems—to protect public health.

(Sources: Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine; Emma Machan, ABC News Australia, Brian Mastroianni, Health online, US Science Org/AAAS)