PHOTO PROVIDED Evelyn Baker and Ethel Peters celebrate their 90th birthdays.

Lifespan studies indicate that twins tend to enjoy greater longevity than the general population. Shared lifelong support and companionship have been proposed as possible contributors to this phenomenon. Twin sisters and local residents, Evelyn Jean Baker and Ethel Irene Peters are perhaps a case in point. On Saturday, the pair took time off from their usual busy schedules of lawn mowing, gardening, cooking, house cleaning, and crafting to celebrate their 90th birthday together at a family gathering in Montoursville’s Indian Park.

A photo of the twins’ first birthday was published in The Williamsport Sun Gazette in 1937. The youngest of six siblings, Evelyn and Ethel were born at home on June 27, 1936, each weighing over 6 pounds. They have shared many life experiences in nine decades together, including raising children and seeing their children and grandchildren grow their families.

All together, the two nonagenarians have 11 children, 26 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Relatives from Massachusetts, California, and North Carolina, as well as many locals, attended the party on Saturday.

Delores Smith (age 93), sister to Ethel and Evelyn, was on hand for the festivities via FaceTime.