- Title: BELGIUM-TWINS Glass of good wine is daily elixir for world's oldest twin brothers
- Date: 12th August 2015
- Summary: PHOTOGRAPH OF PAULUS (LEFT) AND PIETER (RIGHT) PHOTOGRAPH OF PAULUS PHOTOGRAPH OF PAULUS (LEFT) AND PIETER (RIGHT)
- Embargoed: 27th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Belgium
- Country: Belgium
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA69QGCQN15F0UA28R5NDVC88OB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Eating in moderation, drinking a glass of good wine every day and avoiding chasing women are the best lessons for a happy life, Belgians Pieter and Paulus Langerock, the world's oldest living twin brothers, say.
Born on July 8, 1913, the brothers have lived together for most of their lives and until this day barely leave each other's side, sharing a room at their nursing home just outside the Belgian town of Ghent.
The besuited 102-year-olds, who prefer being addressed as "Pierre and Paul" have no special secret or formula to share to reach such a grand old age.
"It's nature which decides that," Paulus told Reuters at the Ter Venne retirement home they moved to three years ago, only then giving up their own house.
"We went to a doctor, we went often. We were 85, both of us, of course, and he (the doctor) said: "You mustn't think that you'll turn 100, you know. It's out of the question that you'll turn 100." I said: "Oh, that's very good. We don't, I don't have the particular desire, a particular desire, to reach 100," he said.
While they are the world's oldest living twin brothers, they have another three years to go to break the record of U.S. brothers Glen and Dale Moyer, both of whom reached 105.
For Pieter, the happiest memory of a long life spanning most of the 20th-century and two world wars, was the day he found out both he and his brother had been appointed magistrates.
The twins, who both describe the other as their best friend, said people would often get them mixed up.
"Even Dad, when he called for us, he would call: "Pierre, Paul!," Pieter said.
Neither of them married, disapproving of each other's choice of potential life partner over the years.
Paulus, however, had some worldly advice for younger generations.
"Don't do anything foolish, don't drink too much, eat too much, go out too much. Don't run after women too much. Get married, get married. The best piece of advice is to marry a woman you love, and have her children," he said.
And a further tip? A glass of red wine -- always a Bordeaux for Pieter and Paulus -- every day.
"To your good health, all of you. To all of us. To good health, to all live to be a hundred!" - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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