Masao and Miyako are the world’s oldest living couple. They have been married for more than 80 years. This is impressive especially when you consider that the life expectancy of most people in the world is at 80 years old. Miyako says that the secret to their long live and their long marriage has been patience. The couple has spent all their life in Japan. Masao is 108 years old while Miyako is 100 years old.
The couple has been married since 1937 and they been confirmed as the world’s oldest couple by combined age by the Guinness World Records. They have a combined age of 208 years. They have a full life together with five daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. They have spent most of their life together, and they seem to be happy with living the twilight of their lives together also. Â “I am so glad. It’s thanks to my patience, really,” said Miyako with a laugh. “I am so grateful that it brings me tears.”
Patience is very important in any relationship, but it is very important in a partnership. Psychotherapist Tina B. Tessina, PhD agrees with Miyako that patience is critical in a relationship. “If you and your partner can’t solve problems, communicate or get along, both of you will lose hope that you will ever be able to enjoy each other or life together,” she explained. “When you’re frustrated and hopeless, you lack patience and the ability to think clearly and creatively.”