Twins 102 years young
They’re one of the world’s oldest sets of twins ever at 102. So what’s their secret?
These inseparable sisters were born in the middle of World War I, survived four reigning monarchs and 20 prime ministers, but had to give up their beloved gin and tonics after they hit the century mark – on doctors’ orders!
And non-identical twins Phyllis Jones and Irene Crump insist eating lots of fish and having two strong gin and tonics at a time (one in each hand!) is the key to looking decades younger than the 102 year birthday they recently celebrated.
“We’re non-identical but basically the same,” says Irene. “We were so alike and close growing up that often people stared and asked if we were identical. We can’t believe we’ve spent over a century together. We still wear the same clothes sometimes and no matter what, we enjoy each day together.”
The twins were born in 1916, with Phyllis arriving 25 minutes before her baby sister, and have spent virtually their entire lives together, despite both marrying and Phyllis becoming a mum. Irene admits they found it hard when they first lived apart.
“I missed her and visited her daily to make up for it,” she says.
“When we both lost our husbands in the same year we felt so lucky to still have each other.”
The twins live together in Worcestershire in the UK, and hold the record as Britain’s oldest twins with just one other set of twins in the world beating them out of top spot, having notched up 104 years.
“Phyllis has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, but she’s still my vibrant twin sister,” says Irene. “I don’t think I would have reached 102 without my wonderful twin. She’s been my lifeline since we lay together in my mother’s tummy.
“I hope we have lots more happy years together.”