Edie Mercer, who turned 90 at the weekend, still drives a car, makes her own dresses, and plays golf nearly every day.
Her twin sister, Myrtle Macdonald (nee Weddell), of Mosgiel, also has a strong zest for life. And Mrs Macdonald was delighted to see Edie, of Kaiapoi, again at a big family birthday gathering in their honour in Mosgiel at the weekend.
Mrs Macdonald rode a bicycle round Mosgiel for many decades, until recently, has long been an avid gardener and was, earlier, a keen and versatile sportswoman.
Growing up at Janefield on the Taieri, both Weddell sisters represented Otago in hockey.
And, from time to time, they have also played various other sports, including women's rugby and golf.
About 50 members of the extended family converged on Mosgiel from far and wide at the weekend for what one family member termed an ''absolutely brilliant'' get-together.
Among participants were Mrs Macdonald's son David, and his partner Christine Murphy, who flew in from Sydney.
Another son, Stephen Macdonald, who hosted the birthday celebrations at his Mosgiel house, said turning 90 was an ''achievement''.
''We're a pretty close-knit family.''
It had been ''great'' to see family members again, both at a gathering on Friday night, and later on Saturday, when both sisters had turned 90.
Family members said the two sisters' positive attitude and their strong, down-to-earth values had also contributed to their long and happy lives.
