World’s Oldest Couple Holding Guinness World Record Had a Combined Age of 215 Years | “It Wasn’t Easy at First”

When Julio Mora and Waldramina Quinteros eloped to get married in absence of a family agreement, they couldn't have imagined the life and recognition that waited for them as they tied the knot. They got married on 7th Feb 1941 in the Church of El Belen in Quito, Ecuador. Julio was born March 10, 1910, and Waldramina was born October 16, 1915. They were named in the Guinness Book of Records as both the world’s oldest married couple and oldest living married couple at the end of August 2020 following a verification in Quito dated June 23, 2020, per Mirror.

Mora and Quinteros met each other after Quinteros' sister introduced Mora to him. As Mora wooed Quinteros with his poetry, they fell in love and got married soon after. They dated for seven years. During this period, they really wished their parents would get along. Despite trying when their parents couldn't find themselves thrilled about the idea of them, they decided to get married nonetheless.

Quinteros recalled, "It wasn’t easy at first because our families didn’t have a good relationship but with time and patience we were able to unite them and become a good example for younger generations." Over time, they raised four beautiful children together and struggled to make ends meet, giving their children the best upbringing they could. They worked as teachers in the same city they were brought up in. Slowly their family expanded to 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, according to The Guardian.

Their daughter Cecilia says despite not having the earlier agility, they were both lucid and active even in their 100s. They continued to live very full lives despite their age without any health issues. They were in great shape when they received the award from Guinness World Records.

The couple beat the last couple to hold the award, who had a combined age of 212 years and 52 days. Mora and Quinteros' combined age was 215 years. The happy couple had said, "For us, it is a source of great honor and pride to have a Guinness World Records title because it is the highest award that the world recognizes."

During the pandemic, the couple witnessed the world change right before their eyes. "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," the couple said in 2020. They missed large family gatherings during that time. Cecilia said, “My parents need family contact.”

Two months after receiving the award, on October 22, 2020, Mora died a peaceful death due to natural causes while being wrapped in the arms of his beloved wife of 79 years. This marked the end of the journey, which they embarked on as young adults. While the death was hard on Quinteros and the entire family, they cherished the time Mora spent with them and truly appreciate the unique mark he left on his family. 

References: 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/man-110-dies-four-months-22898221

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/28/worlds-oldest-couple-guinness-record-ecuador

Cover Image Source: YouTube | ABC7