Nayana Dhanya
12th October 2020
The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognised Julio Cesar Mora Tapia and Waldramina Maclovia Quinteros as the oldest married couple in the world on 25th August 2020. With the aggregate age of 214 years and 358 days, the couple has been married for 79 years.
Julio was born on 10th March 1910 and is currently 110 years old. Waldramina, on the other hand, is 6 years younger than him and was born on 16th October 1915. The lovebirds first met when Waldramina went to visit her sister, who lived in Ecuador. Not only was Julio her brother-in-law's cousin, but he also stayed in the same apartment as her sister.
There was no looking back after Julio and Waldramina's first meeting. They grew to be fast friends and had a loving relationship for seven years before getting married on 7th February 1941. Their ceremony was intimate and undisclosed to family members, as both sides vehemently disapproved of their relationship. Nevertheless, their close friends and god-parents accompanied them for the happy occasion.
"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 couple told Guinness World Records. This is further demonstrated by the fact that the couple eventually managed to unite their relatives, as reported by CBS News.
Waldramina has cited Julio's loving nature, great literary potential, and beautiful poetry as the reasons she fell in love with him. Simultaneously, Julio found her firm nature, big heart, and beauty captivating.
Not only did they dedicate their lives to teaching, but they also have five children, all of whom went to college. They consider this one of their most significant accomplishments and legacies, as they are of the firm belief that education is the foundation for a developed society.
As of late, Julio and Waldramina are counting down the days until they get to meet their huge family of 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. "The family enjoy each other's company, and like going to the movies or to the theater together. They love planting and harvesting plants and sharing the fruits with family and friends, through big dinners," said Aura Cecilia, one of their daughters, according to a report by The Insider.
Both the partners have conveyed what an 'honour and pride' it is to hold a Guinness World Record title and call it 'the highest award the world recognises.'
(Sources: Guinness World Records, CBS News, The Insider)
Edited by Nayana Dhanya