Meet the World’s oldest couple married for 79 years!

A couple from Ecuador who has been married for 79 years is the world’s oldest married couple, according to Guinness World Records.

Julio Cesar Mora Tapia, 110 and his wife Waldramina Maclovia Quinteros Reyes, 104, got married in 1941, seven years after meeting at Julio Cesar’s cousin, the organization said in a statement published on August 25, 2020.

The couple with an aggregate age of 214 years and 358 days met when Waldramina went to visit her sister – living in the same building as Julio Cesar – who was married to Julio Cesar’s cousin. The two then created a friendship that led to their loving relationship.

They got married on February 7, 1941 at an intimate and secret event as relatives from both sides did not support their marriage. Nonetheless, they have proven that theirs is a lasting love.

“The love and maturity that we had as a couple from the beginning of the marriage allowed us to know each other and grow emotionally to define our future,” they said.

“It was not easy because our relatives did not have a good relationship, but with time and patience we were able to unite them and we became an example and the best reference for the younger generations.”

The two have five children. Their eldest son sadly passed away at 58.  Now they have a large family of 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Both teachers, the couple saw all their children through college with each having a college degree – a feat they regard as one of their greatest achievements and best legacies they leave their family.

According to one of their daughters, Aura Cesar, the couple enjoy each other’s company and they like going to the movies and the theater together. They also love planting and harvesting and sharing fruits with family and friends in big dinners.

“Family unity under the rules of love, mutual respect, honest work, and proper education based on family values are the keys to healthy coexistence,” the elderly couple advise. They add that: “the secret formula = love + maturity + mutual respect.”