Japanese Sisters Are the Oldest Identical Twins Ever
In September 2021, Guinness World Records confirmed Japanese sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama as the oldest identical twins ever recorded. Born on November 5, 1913, the sisters were 107 years and 300 days old when the record was verified. They surpassed the previous record-holders, also Japanese identical twin sisters, Kin Narita and Gin Kanie. Umeno and Koume were born on Shodo Island into a large family of 13 children. After finishing elementary school, they were separated for many years, with Koume leaving the island to help an uncle. The two reconnected more frequently in their later decades, often traveling together.
The "Golden" and "Silver" Twins
Before Umeno and Koume, the record was famously held by another pair of Japanese sisters, Kin Narita and Gin Kanie, known affectionately as "Kinsan Ginsan" (Gold and Silver). They were born in 1892 and became national celebrities in Japan for their longevity and sense of humor. Kin lived to be 107 and Gin to 108, with their popularity highlighting Japan's reputation as a nation of supercentenarians.
Notable Longevity in Twins
While the oldest identical female twins have hailed from Japan, other longevity records for twins have been set in different parts of the world. The oldest identical male twins ever authenticated by Guinness World Records were Glen and Dale Moyer from the United States. Born in 1895, they both reached the age of 105. Another record for the longest-living set of conjoined twins was held by Ronnie and Donnie Galyon of the US, who lived to be 68 years old. These specific records highlight the different categories used to track these exceptional cases of longevity.
Comparison of Older Twin Record-Holders
| Feature | Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama | Kin Narita and Gin Kanie | Glen and Dale Moyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birthplace | Shodo Island, Kagawa, Japan | Nagoya, Japan | United States |
| Birthdate | November 5, 1913 | August 1, 1892 | June 20, 1895 |
| Age at Verification | 107 years, 300 days (Sept 1, 2021) | 107 years, 175 days (at Kin's death) | 105 years |
| Notable Fact | Separated in childhood, reconnected later in life | Became national celebrities in Japan | Oldest authenticated male identical twins |
| Identical? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Factors Influencing Longevity in Twins
Research into the health and lifespans of twins, particularly centenarian pairs, provides valuable insight into the roles of genetics and environment. While identical twins share nearly all their genetic material, their ultimate lifespans can still differ, pointing to the influence of lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Studies of aging, including those involving long-lived twins, suggest that diet, social connections, and even gut bacteria may play a significant role. Japan's consistently high life expectancy, attributed partly to diet and meticulous record-keeping, has contributed to multiple record-breaking twins from the country.
The Role of Genetics vs. Environment
One perspective is that the strong genetic resemblance in identical twins gives them a similar biological predisposition for a long life. This can manifest in shared traits that contribute to longevity, such as disease resistance or slower cellular aging. However, external factors also have a large impact. Things like exposure to different pathogens, variations in diet, and stress levels can cause divergences in health outcomes over the course of a lifetime. The study of twins, in general, provides scientists with a natural experiment to explore this classic 'nature vs. nurture' debate in aging.
Conclusion
The record for the oldest twins ever is a story of extraordinary longevity, with Japanese sisters Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama currently holding the record for identical twins. Their story, and that of other long-lived twins like Kin Narita and Gin Kanie, and the Moyer brothers, showcases how specific subsets of the population can achieve exceptional ages. These records are not just curiosities but also subjects of scientific interest, helping researchers better understand the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle that influences the human aging process. Records from Guinness World Records provide valuable, authenticated milestones, while ongoing research continues to unveil the secrets behind these remarkable lifespans.
Guinness World Records provides authentication for many longevity milestones.
