> At a Glance
> – Wilma Cagle and Welthy Senn, identical twins, celebrated their 100th birthday in November
> – They dress alike, eat together, and sleep in the same room-sometimes even in the same bed
> – Both have dementia, yet always know where the other is
> – Why it matters: Their unbreakable bond offers a rare glimpse into how deep twin connection can last a lifetime
For 100 years, Wilma Cagle and Welthy Senn have done nearly everything side by side. From matching outfits to shared meals, their lives remain intertwined under one roof in Greenville, South Carolina.
A Lifetime in Sync
The twins start every day together in their sunlit porch. They still dress identically, a habit that never faded. Meals are shared with the same enthusiasm they’ve always had.
Between them, they raised eight children-Wilma has three, Welthy has five. Their kids now rotate caregiving duties, most living nearby to help.
Memory Fades, Bond Stays
Both sisters have dementia, mostly affecting long-term memory. Yet, as Rebecca Hamby, Welthy’s daughter, explains:
> Rebecca Hamby said:
> “They don’t remember much beyond the present, but they always know where the other one is.”
At night, they sleep in separate beds just feet apart-but still sometimes end up in the same bed, just like when they were girls.
Always Together, No Exceptions
When Wilma once planned to attend a concert without Welthy, the day-of looked different. Hamby found them sitting together, unfazed by the outing.
Wilma simply said:
> “I never said I would go anywhere without my sister.”
That code has never changed. Their spouses-who happened to be college roommates at Clemson-learned early on that the twins’ comfort was each other.
Family and Faith in Their Future
Over 140 relatives gathered for their November birthday celebration. Though Welthy has grown quieter, both remain most proud of being identical twins.
Hamby believes their bond is life-sustaining:
> “I really strongly believe that they have kept each other alive. I don’t think one would be living without the other.”
If one sister falls ill, the other grows anxious, staying close and asking after her. They speak often of feeling blessed to still be together.
Key Takeaways
- The twins share every daily ritual, from meals to outfits
- Dementia hasn’t erased their awareness of each other
- Family credits their mutual devotion with helping them reach 100 years
- A 2016 University of Washington study found identical twins often live longer, thanks to constant emotional support
Their story is a living testament to a connection that time, memory loss, and even death haven’t weakened-and maybe never will.
