Ecuadorian spouses become the world’s oldest married couple

110 year-old Julio Cesar Mora Tapia and 104-year-old Waldramina Maclovia Quinteros Reyes have been married for 79 years; a marriage that has only become stronger over time.

Together they have enjoyed many happy moments, as well as facing challenges and difficulties, like any married couple. However, the love and respect they have for each other has secured them the title of the oldest married couple, with an aggregate age of 214 years and 358 days.

Julio Cesar was born on March 10th, 1910 and Waldramina was born on October 16, 1915. Julio Cesar was born before the RMS Titanic sunk in 1912, and the pair both pre-date the creation of television.

Originally from Ecuador, Julio Cesar and Waldramina dedicated their lives to teaching and today they are enjoying their retirement.

Their story began when Waldramina, during her school vacation period, went to visit her sister, who lived in the same building as Julio Cesar. They met through her sister’s husband, who was Julio Cesar’s cousin.

They created a friendship that led to a loving relationship, which resulted in the couple getting married seven years later.

Waldramina found in Julio Cesar a loving man with a young spirit and great literary potential who captivated her with his beautiful poetry.

Julio Cesar fell in love with Waldramina because of her beauty, long conversations and her big heart combined with a firm character.

The couple decided to get married on February 7, 1941. It was an intimate and secret celebration because the relatives of the bride and groom did not agree with the marriage.

However, they were accompanied by their godparents and closest friends. This union took place in the oldest church in Quito, La Iglesia de El Belén.

They went on to become the parents of five children, all of them with college degrees. They believe this is one of the greatest achievements and best legacies that they have been able to leave their family, as they think that education is the basis for a developed society.

“Promoting education allowed us to map out a route for all generations of our great family,” the couple agreed.

Their oldest son sadly died at the age of 58.

Today they have a huge family of 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. They believe that family unity is everything and that life is better when the foundations of the family are built on love and respect.

“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 said.

Aura Cecilia, one of their daughters, said 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.

Julio Cesar and Waldramira consider love, maturity, and respect to be the key to achieving a long and happy marriage.

“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.”

“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.”

“Respect, compassion and consideration with which we maintained our relationship was very important; we never argued or fought. There were disagreements, but they were not noticeable to any of our children who also deserved respect and love.”

“The secret formula = love + maturity + mutual respect,” the couple shared.

“For us, Julio Cesar and Waldramina, it is a great honor and pride to have a Guinness World Records title because it is the highest award that the world recognizes.”

“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 to follow the rules with respect and love the life.”

Despite the changes and difficulties , they have had to face because of the pandemic, they continue to fill their lives with optimism and happiness. They are eagerly awaiting the day they can be reunited with their family and loved ones.

Congratulations , Waldramina and Julio Cesar, you are Officially Amazing!