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Association between ambient relative humidity and accelerated aging among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study of CHARLS

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The accelerating global population aging necessitates a deeper understanding of environmental factors influencing the aging process. This cross-sectional study examined the association between ambient relative humidity and accelerated aging among adults aged 45 years and older in China. Utilizing data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) alongside annual average relative humidity data from the National Meteorological Administration, we performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between relative humidity and accelerated aging, defined as biological age exceeding chronological age. The study included 6,529 participants, with adjustments for demographic variables, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Higher relative humidity was associated with greater odds of accelerated aging. In the fully adjusted model, each one-percentage-point increase in relative humidity was associated with approximately 2% higher odds of accelerated aging (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03). Exploratory restricted cubic spline analyses provided evidence of a nonlinear association but did not establish a humidity threshold or change point. Furthermore, urban residents demonstrated heightened susceptibility, indicating the complex interplay between environmental and lifestyle factors. This study provides evidence of a positive association between environmental relative humidity and accelerated aging among middle-aged and older adults in China, particularly among urban residents. Given the cross-sectional design and potential for selection bias and residual confounding, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. These findings indicate an association between ambient relative humidity and accelerated aging in this cross-sectional sample, particularly among urban residents. Because exposure and outcome were assessed within the 2011 survey period and the study was cross-sectional, the findings do not establish temporality or causality. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this association.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-76661-z

Authors: Damei Ye, Chaoyan Xu, Changyi Lin, Shuchao Ye

Institution: Fujian Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690