How old is the oldest set of twins? A look at twin longevity and records

Oct 22, 2025 2 min read •

longevity senior care Healthy Aging

Did you know that studies suggest twins often live longer than the general population? This insight adds a fascinating layer to the question: How old is the oldest set of twins? The answer is a tale of remarkable human endurance and connection.

Quick Summary

The world's oldest identical twins were Japanese sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama, who were both over 108 years old at the time of their passing. The oldest recorded male identical twins were American brothers Dale and Glen Moyer, who lived to 105.

Key Points

Oldest Identical Twins: The record for the oldest identical twins ever verified was held by Japanese sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama, who both lived past 108 years old.
Male Twins' Record: The oldest identical male twins on record were American brothers Dale and Glen Moyer, who lived to 105.
Conjoined Twins' Record: American brothers Ronnie and Donnie Galyon were the longest-surviving conjoined twins, living to age 68.
Social Bonds are Key: Studies suggest the powerful, lifelong social support system inherent in being a twin contributes significantly to their longer average lifespans compared to the general population.
Lessons for All: The longevity of twins highlights the broader importance of cultivating and maintaining strong social connections for promoting overall health and well-being.

The World's Oldest Identical Twins

Guinness World Records certified Japanese sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama as the world's oldest identical twins on September 20, 2021. Born on November 5, 1913, they were 107 years and 300 days old when they broke the previous record. Umeno Sumiyama passed away at 109, and Koume Kodama at 108. Though separated as children, they reconnected later in life and enjoyed their time together, even joking about surpassing the previous record holders. Their story, announced on Japan's 'Respect for the Aged Day,' exemplifies the factors contributing to extreme longevity in a nation known for its supercentenarian population.

Not All Records are the Same

Records for the oldest twins vary by type. The oldest recorded male identical twins were American brothers Dale and Glen Moyer, who reached 105 years old. Conjoined twins Ronnie and Donnie Galyon lived to 68, becoming the longest-lived conjoined twins in history. Other long-lived twin pairs, like the Santana sisters, with one living to 110 and the other to 108, also exist. These different categories highlight the diverse factors influencing twin lifespans.

The Longevity Advantage of Twins

A 2016 study in PLOS ONE suggested twins might live longer than singletons. Analyzing data from the Danish Twin Registry, researchers found that both identical and fraternal twins born between 1870 and 1900 had higher survival rates than the general population. This advantage was more significant for identical twins, who showed greater increases in life expectancy.

The Social Support Hypothesis

The increased longevity in twins is often attributed to strong social support. Researchers believe the close, lifelong bond between twins provides a buffer against stress, leading to better health and potentially longer lives. The deeper connection shared by identical twins might offer even stronger support.

Comparison of Oldest Twins


Twin Type	Record Holders	Country	Twin Age	Note
Identical Female	Umeno Sumiyama & Koume Kodama	Japan	109 & 108	Confirmed oldest identical twins ever
Identical Male	Dale & Glen Moyer	USA	105	Oldest confirmed male identical twins
Conjoined Male	Ronnie & Donnie Galyon	USA	68	Longest-surviving conjoined twins

Lessons from Long-Lived Twins

The lives of long-lived twins provide insights into healthy aging. Their experiences emphasize the importance of relationships and lifestyle.

Cultivate strong social bonds: As seen with the Japanese sisters, a supportive social network is crucial for longevity. This applies to everyone, as discussed in Psychology Today.
Make healthy choices: Studies indicate identical twins often encourage healthier habits in each other, such as exercising and not smoking.
Embrace resilience and adaptation: Many long-lived twins have shown remarkable resilience, overcoming various challenges throughout their lives.

Conclusion: The Power of Connection

The stories of the oldest twins highlight the significant role of human connection in achieving a long and healthy life. From the shared genetics of identical twins to the unique bond of conjoined twins, having a lifelong partner provides vital support and inspiration. For everyone, fostering strong social bonds is a key strategy for promoting healthy aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

The oldest identical twins ever recorded were Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama from Japan. Umeno passed away in May 2023 at 109, and Koume in February 2022 at 108.

Yes, according to reports, the Japanese twin sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama faced some bullying in their younger days due to prejudice against multiple births in Japan at the time.

A study on Danish twins from the 19th century suggests that twins, particularly identical twins, have a survival advantage over the general population, which may be attributed to their strong social bonds.

While there is no single secret, the long-lived Japanese sisters reconnected later in life and maintained a close bond, which researchers point to as a key factor in twin longevity due to the emotional and social support it provides.

The oldest identical male twins on record were Dale and Glen Moyer from the U.S., who were both born in 1895 and lived to the age of 105.

Their stories emphasize the importance of lifelong social connections, resilience in the face of adversity, and making healthy choices. The support they provide one another can act as a buffer against risky behaviors and promote better health.

No, while research indicates twins may have a longevity advantage, it does not guarantee a longer life. Lifespan is influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.