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​Couple With Combined Age Of 214 Named World’s Oldest Couple

​Couple With Combined Age Of 214 Named World’s Oldest Couple

Julio César Mora and Waldramina Quinteros Quintero, aged 110 and 104 respectively, were married in Ecuador on 7 February 1941

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

An Ecuadorian husband and wife have been named the oldest couple in the world by the Guinness World Book of Records - some eight decades after their marriage was met with a backlash from their families.

Julio César Mora and Waldramina Quinteros Quintero, aged 110 and 104 respectively, were married in Ecuador on 7 February 1941.

At the time, their families disapproved of their relationship and were not present for the wedding vows, which took place in La Iglesia de El Belén, the oldest church in Quito.

Guinness World Records

But despite such bittersweet beginnings, their love has managed to stand the test of time, with 79 years of marriage now under their belts.

And now Guinness has even named Mora and Quintera as the world's oldest married couple, thanks to their aggregate age of 214 years and 358 days.

They said: "For us, Julio Cesar and Waldramina, it is a great honour and pride to have a Guinness World Records title because it is the highest award that the world recognises.

Shutterstock

"It is true that at this time it is difficult because we are overwhelmed by the pandemic that affects the world and we still do not have a solution. However, the first step for us is to follow the rules with respect and love life."

The couple - who met through Quintera's husband, who was Mora's cousin - believe there is a 'secret formula' to a long and happy marriage, which involves love, maturity and mutual respect.

"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," the couple said.

Guinness World Records

"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."

Now they have a huge family of their own, having had five children - one of whom sadly at the age of 58 - which led to 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Mora and Quintera believe the family unit is everything, saying: "Family unity under the rules of love, mutual respect, honest work, and proper education based on family values are the keys to healthy coexistence."

Congratulations, guys!

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: World News, News, Relationship