‘Patience’ the key to 80 years of marriage

– Japan is known for its abundance of centenarians and can now lay claim to having the world’s oldest living married couple, with a combined age of 208 – a feat the wife credits to her patience during 80 years of marriage.

Masao Matsumoto, 108, and his 100-year-old wife, Miyako, see picture on left, have been confirmed as the oldest living spouses by aggregate age by Guinness

World Records, having been married since October 1937.

“I am so glad. It’s thanks to my patience, really,” said Miyako with a laugh, posing with Masao and other family members in front of a framed certificate at the nursing home where they live.

“I am so grateful that it brings me to tears,” she said.

The Matsumotos never managed to have a wedding as Japan was heading into war and Masao was sent overseas as a soldier, but that was no obstacle to having a big family – including a 25th great-grandchild who was born last month.

“They’ve entered the last chapter of their life.

“It was a great honour [for them] to receive this award.

“I would love them to continue living a happy and peaceful life,” said daughter Hiromi. –