Born in Spain in the early 20th century, Jose Pascua and Antonia Patino - married to each other for 78 years - on Wednesday became an example of longevity and perseverance by both celebrating their 103rd birthdays.

Antonia and Jose, neighbors in the central town of Hinojosa de Duero, were born, respectively on Aug. 14, 1908, and Dec. 21, 1908, and they celebrated their birthdays on Wednesday.

It must be something in their family’s genes that has enabled them to live so long - although one of their sons, Santiago, is already deceased - since Antonia and Jose got to know their grandparents, four great-grandparents and two great-great-grandparents.