Great news for those with plenty of moles: research shows individuals with a high number of moles tend to live longer than those with few or none.
A study from King's College London examined over 900 twins. Participants with more than 100 moles lived an average of six years longer than those with 25 or fewer.
This link appears tied to telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of DNA strands. As we age, telomeres shorten, influencing cellular aging and division rates. Longer telomeres allow more cell renewals before they wear down.
Researchers found people with many moles have longer telomeres that shorten more slowly, potentially explaining their extended lifespan.
That said, a key caveat: those with numerous moles face a higher risk of skin cancer. Regular skin checks are essential.
