Centenarian Twins Share Secret to Long Life Amidst Family Legacy

Jane and Bill Abbott, twins born on April 8, 1926, in Hawaii, have reached a significant milestone - their 100th birthday. This remarkable feat is not surprising, given their family's history of longevity. Their parents, Royal and Loreen Abbott, lived into their mid-90s, while their older brother, Richard, passed away just shy of his 103rd birthday.

The twins' birth was a surprise to their parents, as they had no idea Bill was on the way after Jane was born. 'They had no idea Bill was in there,' Jane recalled in an interview at her Livermore, California home. 'Back then, they didn't have ultrasounds and all of that. After I was born, they were like, 'Wait. There's another [baby].'''

The twins spent their childhood moving between Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and Canada, attending high schools in California. They have lived through historic eras, including World War II, and have experienced personal losses, such as the death of Bill's wife, Patricia, in 2005. Despite these challenges, they remain optimistic and youthful, often finishing each other's thoughts and referring to themselves as 'still kids.'

Their secret to longevity, according to the twins, lies in their active lifestyle, strong family support, and good medical care. They attribute their health to their parents' healthy habits, as they never smoked or drank. Jane admitted to smoking for a while, but Bill never developed the habit, opting instead for a healthy lifestyle that included swimming and serving in the Navy.

The twins have led fulfilling lives, with Jane earning a degree in child development and teaching in a nursery school. She also published a book about her Civil War-era great-grandfather, Thomas Leonard McAvey: A Soldier and a Sailor, in 2012. Bill, on the other hand, worked as an AT&T engineer and served in the Navy Reserve for 30 years.

Their centennial birthday was celebrated with a large family gathering, complete with a Christmas party and a Western parks tour. The twins' story is a testament to the importance of family, lifestyle, and medical support in achieving a long and healthy life.

As they look back on their 100 years, the twins remain grateful for the time they have had together and the experiences they have shared. Their story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the value of living a healthy and active lifestyle, surrounded by loved ones.