As she approached her 60th birthday, Lauren Cohen of Paramus, New Jersey, experienced a life-changing event—she welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, into the world in 2006. What should have been one of the happiest times in her life was complicated by unexpected emotions and challenges, including her eldest daughter’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction.
Lauren’s journey to becoming a mother of twins at nearly 60 was not something she ever anticipated. Her path to parenthood for the second time began in 2002, two years after her divorce from her first husband. That year, she met Frank Garcia at a dance class in New Jersey. Despite being 20 years older than Frank, Lauren was drawn to him, and as it turned out, the attraction was mutual. It was love at first sight.
“I never imagined he would be attracted to someone so much older,” Lauren shared in an interview. “He was an amazing dancer, so I asked him to dance one evening, and he agreed. The rest is history.” Their whirlwind romance led to a wedding just months later, in July 2002.
Soon after tying the knot, Lauren realized her new husband was eager to start a family. Though she already had a daughter from her previous marriage, Frank’s dream of becoming a father rekindled Lauren’s own hopes for expanding their family. They decided to try in vitro fertilization (IVF), but age quickly became a roadblock. Many doctors refused to treat her, citing her age as a risk factor.
However, Lauren and Frank were determined not to give up. In January 2004, a clinic in Virginia finally agreed to help. Unfortunately, after four failed IVF attempts, the couple faced disappointment and questioned whether they should continue. Just when hope seemed to be slipping away, a doctor in New Jersey offered them another chance. This time, their efforts paid off.
In December 2004, Lauren gave birth to a healthy daughter, Raquel, through IVF. Becoming a mother again in her late fifties was a joyful experience, but little did Lauren know she would soon be pregnant again. Less than a year after Raquel’s birth, Lauren found herself expecting twins.
On May 22, 2006, just before her 60th birthday, Lauren delivered twins Gregory and Giselle, again through IVF using donor eggs. The moment was nothing short of extraordinary. “I don’t feel like a record holder. Except for arthritis, I’m in excellent shape,” she told PEOPLE magazine. At age 59, Lauren became the oldest woman in the U.S. to give birth to twins, tying a record previously set by a British woman who gave birth to twins on Christmas Day in 1993.
Now a mother of three young children—and four in total—Lauren focuses heavily on her health, knowing that her children are still growing and that she wants to be present for their milestones. “I’m committed to doing everything possible to extend my life,” she shared. “My goal is to see my kids graduate from college. I need to keep pushing for the next 17 years, until I turn 81.”
To maintain her health and energy, Lauren follows a rigorous wellness routine. She practices pilates and yoga regularly and takes nearly a hundred supplements each week to support her body. Her dedication is driven by a deep desire to remain active and involved in her children’s lives for as long as possible.
Yet, being an older mother hasn’t come without its challenges. One of the most painful moments for Lauren was when her eldest daughter, Renee, who is an adult with a daughter of her own, mistook Lauren’s new role as a mother to young children as something more fitting for a grandmother. The mix-up caused tension, and Lauren wasn’t prepared for Renee’s cold response when she first learned about her mother’s pregnancy. That moment left a lasting impact on Lauren.
Despite the emotional bumps in the road, Lauren and Frank are incredibly proud and grateful for their family. They cherish the time they spend with Raquel, Gregory, and Giselle, even if that means missing some moments with their older daughter and granddaughter. For them, having the opportunity to raise their children together is a blessing they don’t take for granted.
Lauren’s story is a remarkable testament to resilience, love, and the determination to create the life one desires, regardless of age or obstacles. While many might question the choice to have children later in life, Lauren and Frank are confident in their decision and focus on making every moment count with their children.
Their story continues to inspire countless others, particularly those who may feel constrained by societal expectations about age and parenthood. Lauren is living proof that age doesn’t have to define one’s ability to love, nurture, and care for a family.
If you found this story moving or inspiring, please feel free to share it with your family and friends. Let others know about Lauren’s incredible journey and the love that drives her every single day.
Check out the video below to learn more about Lauren and her beautiful family.