They’re friends. They’re both 109. Here are their secrets

Dorothy Boggess and Velma Long are two remarkable women who have reached the age of 109. Both share a deep friendship that spans more than eight decades. Boggess, a former social worker, and Long, a former Navy clerk typist, both lived through the era of World War II. They both went by the nickname "Rosie the Riveter" as they joined the workforce during the war to support the factories, shipyards, and offices left vacant by young men serving overseas.

Boggess arrived in Washington, D.C., during the early 1940s, seeking employment, where she met Long at her workplace. The two women met their respective spouses through work, and their romances began with lunch dates. Later, they became fast friends, often attending double dates with their husbands, who were cousins and very close. The duo has remained close even as they've lost many other friends over the years.

Both women emphasize the importance of social connections for their longevity. They stay active through exercise and socializing, and they enjoy traveling. Boggess has visited over 30 countries, while Long has visited Bermuda, Montreal, and Hawaii, among other destinations. Their deep bond is a testament to the power of friendship, as they continue to support and care for each other, even as time passes.