When people get married, they anticipate spending the rest of their lives together. But in the US, the average time that marriages last is a mere 8 years. If you look at things statistically, it becomes even more evident that few couples achieve long-term success as husband and wife.
Doing something most couples will never do
Of married couples, only 55 percent last 15 years. Then, just 35 percent last long enough to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. As for marriages that longer than 50 years, the percentage is only 6. Now imagine how rare it is for a married couple to celebrate 80 years of married bliss. That’s exactly what an Austin, Texas husband and wife will do on December 15, 2019.
John and Charlotte Henderson just became the oldest married couple, making their way into the Guinness World Records. That’s quite a feat. Even though John’s 106 years old and Charlotte 105, they still carry a torch for each other.
Where it all began.
In 1934, the two attended the University of Texas. It was during a shared class when they first noticed one another. John and Charlotte dated for the next four years. After graduating from college, they married in December 1939 during the Great Depression. What seems crazy today, the couple paid only $7 to stay in a hotel for their honeymoon.
Impressive accomplishments.
Being hailed the oldest married couple is certainly not something you hear about every day. However, John has also accomplished a lot of great things in his life. He’s a former UT football player. Not just any player, but the oldest living person to have been on the team. Together, the couple has gone to a minimum of one game per season to cheer on the UT football team.
The Henderson’s are enjoying their “Golden Years.”
After retiring, John and Charlotte have had an incredible time. Much of that, the couple spent traveling. These two aren’t interested in sitting idle. Instead, they prefer to keep busy…all the time. Today, the Henderson’s live in a senior living community in Longhorn Village. As a place for UT alumni and staff, they’re always surrounded by friends.
The secret to a long marriage.
So, what’s the secret to staying married for almost eight decades? Well, according to John, it comes down to two things.
First, you need to do everything in moderation. That means they eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and never drink too much. Second, be nice to your partner. Married or not, kindness is something that benefits everyone. But for husbands and wives, it’s especially important. After all, there are going to be trying times in even the best of marriages.
A happy ending.
Although the Henderson’s are still going strong, they’ve had one remarkable experience. With a combined 211 years of life and almost 80 years of marriage, they’re definitely doing something right. Perhaps we should all take note.
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Sources: Newsner, Cheat Sheet
