 "Lyle and Eleanor Gittens win the Guinness World Records for being the oldest married couple. (Image: @InterestingAsFx)")
At a time when longevity in marriage is in question, long-time lovebirds are a rare breed.
However, the example of an American couple – Lyle Gittens and Eleanor Gittens – has truly got everyone talking about ‘marriage’ again. It’s also got people wondering what are the best tips for a long-lasting relationship?
We take you through their perfect and adorable love story.
A Miami couple’s 83-year union in marriage
Lyle Gittens, 108 and his wife Eleanor Gittens, 107, have won the Guinness World Records title as the oldest married couple – they have been married for a record-breaking 83 years.
A company, LongeviQuest, that covers, verifies and publishes ‘world’s oldest people rankings’ held a conversation with the Miami couple about how they have kept their love alive for over 80 years.
And yes, their answer was simple and subtle- “We love each other.”
The beginning of a forever love story
Lyle and Eleanor were students at Clark Atlanta University when they first met, and then they coupled up in 1941.
During their first meeting, Lyle was on his college basketball team, and Eleanor attended his games to cheer them on.
While giving an interview to LongeviQuest, Eleanor could not recall what exactly happened in that game, however, she admitted that it was where she saw Lyle first.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe couple then scheduled their wedding despite knowing the fact that Lyle would likely be called to serve in the US armed forces for military service in World War II.
However, when he was granted a three-day break from the training programme, they decided to tie the knot on June 4, 1942.
After their marriage, Lyle ended up serving in the US army and was sent to Italy for official work. Meanwhile, Eleanor gave birth to their first child and moved to New York City.
As per the Guinness World Records, Eleanor started working in payroll for an aircraft parts company.
Despite the long-distance situation, the couple stayed in touch by sending love letters until, finally, Lyle returned home after the war ended. They went on to raise two more children in New York City.
The secret to a love that lasts
Lyle and Eleanor were one of those couples who seemed to do everything together. In fact, they also worked government jobs together, alongside being active members of their college’s Alumni Association.
By the time they reached their hundreds, both decided to move away from their beloved home in NYC to Miami to spend more time with their daughter.
In an interview with the Western Gazette in 2022, Eleanor revealed that they used to have a martini every evening, which, as per them, may be the true secret of their long marriage.
When asked about the secret to a long-lasting marriage, Eleanor told LongeviQuest: “We love each other."
Lyle also had a simple answer: “I love my wife."
They both celebrated their 83rd anniversary on June 4 of this year.