- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In an extraordinary milestone celebrated around the world, Lyle and Eleanor Gittens have been crowned the world’s oldest living married couple (aggregate age), and the oldest married couple ever recorded. With a combined age of 216 years and 132 days (Lyle at 108 and Eleanor at 107), the title was officially confirmed by human longevity researchers at LongeviQuest. Their unmatched union also qualifies as the longest marriage for a living couple (different sexes).
Their romance started in 1941 at Clark Atlanta University, where Lyle played on the college basketball team and Eleanor attended a game as a spectator. Though she can’t recall the score, she vividly remembers being drawn to him, the spark that would lead to a lifetime together. On June 4, 1942, they married during Lyle’s three-day leave from military training, marking 83 years of marriage this year.
Separated By War, Reunited By Fate
Shortly after tying the knot, Lyle was deployed to Italy with the US Army’s 92nd Infantry Division, while Eleanor, pregnant with their first child, worked in New York to support the war effort. Nearly two years passed before they reunited to begin building a family and a legacy. Together, they raised three children: Lyle Rogers, Angela, and Ignae.
Careers, Education And Global Travel
Both pursued careers in public service, while Eleanor continued her academic journey, earning a doctorate in Urban Education from Fordham University at age 69. The couple remained active in alumni events and frequently travelled with the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, favouring Guadeloupe among their destinations.
One delightful key to their longevity? A shared drink. For decades, the couple enjoyed evening martinis, now replaced by a Modelo beer at lunch. Today, they reside in downtown Miami near their daughter Angela, enjoying skyline views and watching cruise ships set sail.
Staying Sharp In Their Centenarian Years
Though largely confined to bed, Lyle maintains his curiosity and still uses his smartphone daily. “Even at my age, you can still gain knowledge,” he says, proving mental youth lasts longer than physical strength.
When asked about the secret to their enduring relationship, Eleanor offered three timeless words: “We love each other.” Lyle matched her honesty with: “I love my wife.”
A representative from LongeviQuest captured the essence perfectly,“Their love remains as steady and genuine as it was in 1942.”
ALSO READ: Doomsday Warning? US Conducts Minuteman III Missile Test Amid Trump’s Nuclear Revival Plan