Bill and John Bowdler, identical twins from Birmingham, England, have spent 82 years living in sync, sharing residences, professions, and even wardrobes. The lifelong bachelors, born on March 21, 1944, credit their enduring bond for their continued good health.
Their shared life began after leaving school in 1960 when they both secured positions at the same wholesale distribution business in Birmingham. When the company dissolved, they transitioned together into new careers as postmen, a role they held for over 17 years, working on adjacent postal routes. They retired on the same day in 2009.
A Tradition of Matching
Matching outfits have been a hallmark of the Bowdler twins' lives, a tradition initiated by their mother, Agnes. Currently, John typically selects their matching attire each morning, with Bill following suit. "We dress in the same clothes. I'm normally up first so I go and pick something out and then Bill will go and match that," John explained. This practice extends to their social lives, as they shop, attend bingo games, and vacation together.
Their profound connection is evident in their ability to finish each other's sentences. While they share most aspects of their lives, John noted one minor difference: he dislikes brown sauce, whereas Bill uses it liberally.
Shared Health Journeys
The twins have experienced remarkably parallel health events. They both underwent cataract surgery on the same eye, with John having his right eye operated on in April and Bill in May. They are scheduled for procedures on their left eyes in July and September, respectively. A consultant at Newmedica Birmingham noted the rarity of twins sharing such similar medical procedures.
Professor Sai Kolli, a consultant at Newmedica Birmingham, commented on the unusual nature of their shared medical experiences, stating, "They're the first twins we've had as patients here, and it must be such a rare occurrence to have them both have the same procedure on the same eyes."
The twins attribute their vitality, which they feel makes them seem younger than their 82 years, to their constant companionship and active lifestyle. "We have each other so we can keep each other fit. We just keep active. It keeps us ticking and alive," John said. The longest period they have spent apart was when John was hospitalized for appendicitis for two weeks, followed by a 12-week recovery period.