After losing her husband, a Utah woman chose to move in with her identical twin sister.
Now, at 95 years old, the sisters are offering their perspective on how to live a long and fulfilling life — emphasizing the power of family bonds.
Verla Starkey and Merla Swenson, both from Kaysville, were born in 1930 during the Great Depression. They recall sewing their own clothes out of flour sacks, they told KSL.
For them, self-reliance has always been essential.
“As part of a do-it-yourself family, we had a lot of togetherness and we ate healthy and that plays a part of living a long life,” Swenson told the outlet. “But you also have to keep learning.”
The sisters grew up in a time when women often married young.
After marrying, Starkey left Utah with her husband and children, eventually living in 13 cities across nine states, she told KSL.
Both women say staying active and creative is vital. Swenson, for example, took up painting and even taught her sister while they were camping.
“I started to look at the world a different way. I started to notice the shape and color of rocks and the branches on trees,” she said. “I recommend anyone paint things outdoors and their life will change.”
When Swenson’s husband passed away, Starkey invited her to move into the home she had owned for more than 30 years.
Now the two spend their days laughing, teasing, and enjoying one another’s company, according to KSL.
They remain close with family and keep themselves engaged with the world around them.
“I could go right now and I’d be happy,” Starkey told the outlet. Swenson, however, isn’t quite ready.
“I like to brag in my old age. It’s because I’ve earned it,” she said. “Well, I’m not ready to fly over the moon yet.”
