Credit: BBC
13 Siblings From The World’s Oldest Family All Avoided The Same Thing Their Entire Lives
All 13 siblings of the ‘world’s oldest family’ avoided one thing for the entirety of their lives.
The Donnelly family from Northern Ireland holds an extraordinary record.
With a combined age surpassing 1,073 years, they have been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest family of siblings alive.
Their remarkable longevity has sparked curiosity, with many wondering what the secret to their long lives could be.
The Donnellys, hailing from Collegelands on the border of County Armagh and County Tyrone, have always placed great emphasis on a wholesome lifestyle.
Their family gathering in 2017 was an emotional milestone, not just to celebrate their official Guinness World Record but also to honor their late brother, Austin.
He had originally initiated the process of verifying their ages for the record before his passing in 2015.
Leo Donnelly, the youngest sibling at 72, recalled to the Irish Independent: “At my sister Maureen’s 90th birthday, my twin brother Austin said we must be the oldest family in the world.”
That passing remark soon turned into a mission, leading them to compile birth and marriage certificates, along with securing three referees for authentication.
“We lost Austin on Christmas Day in 2015, and after that, there was even more of a determination to get ourselves verified and into that book, in his memory,” Leo explained.
The siblings have shared a deep connection through their upbringing and lifestyle.
Their father, Peter Donnelly, was a pioneering apple farmer in Northern Ireland, and their diet largely consisted of homegrown produce.
“They talk about these Mediterranean diets and this Japanese sushi, all this and that throughout the world, but we think we’ve got just as good in our back fields. Apples have been running through our veins since before we were born,” Leo stated.
Another staple in their diet is porridge, which they consume religiously.
“The key is that you need to get your oats at night,” Leo shared.
“We’ve always followed Daddy’s habit of that nice warm bite before sleep. Porridge at around 10 p.m., then again for breakfast at 7 a.m. Cooked oats, milk, a spot of apple jam on top.”
While their nutritious diet and active lifestyle certainly contribute to their long lives, one major factor sets them apart – the one thing they’ve always avoided.
The siblings have completely abstained from alcohol. “There is not a single drinker in this family. It would certainly help,” Leo remarked.
Research supports this claim, as health organizations highlight the benefits of an alcohol-free life, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk of liver disease, better sleep, and improved absorption of essential nutrients.
UC Davis also notes that avoiding alcohol leads to fewer digestive issues and enhanced overall well-being.
Despite losing three siblings over the years, the remaining Donnellys continue to cherish their bond.
Their story was even the subject of a BBC documentary, The World’s Oldest Family, which explored their unique lifestyle and the factors behind their extraordinary longevity.
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