Twins celebrate their 99th birthday in Palm Springs

Making it to 99 years old is something many of us never expect to do. Reaching that milestone age is doubly special for one pair of local twins.

They said they’ve been celebrating for nearly a month!

Bernice Schroeder and Beatrice Schaefer never lived more than 50 miles from each other. And on their 99th birthday they said they’ve never been closer.

“You always have a friend. You always share everything, at least we always have all our lives,” Schaefer said.

The sisters modeled as young women and spent much of their lives working to raise their families. They said their favorite thing to do together is sing.

“We’ve always sung together, our voices aren’t what they used to be,” Schroeder said.

They said their secret to living this long is being kind to everyone.

“We’ve never quarreled and we’ve loved and respected each other because that leads to a long life. Because if you’re mad and you hold a grudge or if you’re negative your life will be short,” Schroeder said.

And 40 years of water aerobics classes can’t hurt either.

“You appreciate the sunshine and you’re able to be outdoors and we take water exercises five days a week,” Schaefer said.

Beatrice is the more adventurous out of the two.

“She wanted to go up in the first airplane she saw, they had to drag me on,” Schroeder said.

And Bernice is the creative type.

“She has a talent for drawing and writing and poetry, we both love poetry,” Schaefer said.

When asked about celebrating their 100th birthday…

“Oh I should live so long…” Schaefer said.