US couple sets world record for longevity with combined age of 216 years
A couple from the United States broke a Guinness World Record (photo: instagram.com/longeviquest)
In 1941, they met at a basketball game, and a year later, they were married, knowing that war was ahead. Their love story has lasted 83 years, setting two unique world records.
RBC-Ukraine, citing the Guinness World Records, tells the story of the couple who have officially become the oldest in the world.
Lyle and Eleanor Gittens from the United States have officially made history, breaking the world record as the oldest married couple ever (by combined age). They have known each other for more than 80 years, and their marriage has lasted 83 years.
Romance during the war: How it all began in 1941
Lyle and Eleanor Gittens met back in 1941 when they were students at Clark Atlanta University. Their meeting happened in a very simple way — Lyle played on the college basketball team, and Eleanor came to the game to support her team.
Eleanor admitted she doesn't remember how that game ended, but that's where she first saw Lyle. By the following year, they had no doubt they were meant to be together. Despite the possibility that Lyle could be drafted to the front, they began planning their wedding.
Wedding in 3 days and letters from the front
The couple married on June 4, 1942. For the wedding, Lyle was given only a three-day leave from training before deployment. It was a happy occasion, but immediately afterward, Lyle returned to service. Eleanor later recalled that at that moment, she truly wondered if she would ever see her husband again.
Tested by war
During the war, Lyle was sent to Italy as part of the 92nd Infantry Division. Meanwhile, Eleanor, already pregnant with their first child, moved to New York, where her husband's family lived. She wasn't even sure she would ever see her beloved again.
She secured a job at a company that produced aircraft parts and maintained contact with her husband through letters. Most of Lyle's words in letters to his wife were strictly censored and edited by military postal officers.
Double record and 216 years of love
After the war ended, Lyle and Eleanor finally managed to build their life together in New York. Both passed the civil service exam and worked together in government for many years.
The couple raised their son, Lyle Rogers (born during the war), and two younger daughters, Angela and Igni.
They recalled that in the 1950s and 1960s, their work was demanding and their schedules long. However, this period was joyful thanks to a tradition they created.
After every long workday, when they finally had time to enjoy each other's company, Lyle would prepare two martinis — one for himself and one for Eleanor.
Their work involved helping others find jobs, which brought them great satisfaction, and each of them took pleasure in sharing their daily accomplishments with the other.
Lyle and Eleanor have been together for 83 years (photo: guinnessworldrecords.com)
This tradition continues today, though in a new form — now they share a Modelo beer at lunch instead of martinis after work.
When they approached retirement, they joined the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology. Their long-standing membership in the organization inspired many shared travels, especially to their favorite destination — the island of Guadeloupe.
Their records:
- Combined age: Lyle is 108 years old, Eleanor is 107. Their total age is 216 years and 132 days.
- Title: They hold the record as the oldest married couple ever (by combined age).
- Marriage longevity: This year, they celebrated their 83rd wedding anniversary, setting a record for the longest marriage of any living couple.
Fun fact: Eleanor continued her education even after having children. She earned a doctorate in urban education from Fordham University at the age of 69.
The secret to 83 years of marriage
After the couple turned 100, their daughter Angela moved them to Miami so they could live closer to her. Although Lyle still misses his beloved New York, he remains happy.
When Eleanor was asked about the secret to her record-breaking marriage, she gave a simple answer: "We love each other." When Lyle was asked the same question, he replied similarly: "I love my wife." Both noted that maintaining their marriage never required special effort — it was easy for them to stay together.
At one point, while being photographed with their awards, they held hands and looked at each other.
The expressions on each of their faces could best be described as smiles. It seemed as though they were thinking, "Isn't this something?" It was clear they were having a wordless conversation, having perfected every look and expression for one another over the course of eight decades.
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