Extreme heat could be aging you faster. It’s long been known that extreme heat brings on deadly weather-related hazards worldwide, but new research in Science Advances has revealed that long-term exposure to high temperatures could be adding a few years to our age — at the molecular level, The Verge reports.

How does heat affect aging? Through examination of blood samples from almost 4k adults over the age of 56, researchers cross-referenced these adults’ biological markers with heat index data between 2010 and 2016. The results showed regions where the heat index exceeded 32.2°C for at least half the year had a significant increase in their epigenetic age — sometimes up to 2.48 years higher than those in cooler climates.

What is epigenetic age? Unlike chronological age, which simply counts the years since birth, epigenetic age provides a more dynamic picture of an individual’s biological health by factoring in how environmental factors, like stress or pollution, impact the body and its DNA over time.

What about access to cooling solutions? One big question the study didn’t factor in is how much access people have to air conditioning and other ways to stay cool. Two people living on the same street might have completely different heat exposure depending on whether they have AC or not. This highlights how extreme heat isn’t just about temperature — it’s also about economics, infrastructure, and personal circumstances.

What can be done? While fighting climate change is the ultimate fix, there are more immediate steps that can be taken. Adding more trees and green spaces, using reflective materials on rooftops, and improving urban design can all help cool things down. Public cooling centers are another crucial step. In the meantime, make sure cooling resources are available for your elders — particularly as scorching summer temps continue to rise.

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