Julio Mora and Waldramina Quinteros have officially been named as the oldest married couple in the world according to Guinness World Records.

Mora, 110, has been married to Quinteros, 104, for 79 years after they tied the knot on February 7, 1941, in Ecuador’s capital of Quito. The wedding was both small and secretive because their relatives did not approve of the marriage.

“It was not easy because our relatives did not have a good relationship, but with time and patience we were able to unite them and we became an example and the best reference for the younger generations,” the couple recalled.

Though there are longer marriages out there, none are between people as old as this couple, who are a combined age of 214.

Both retired teachers, Mora and Quinteros are in good health at this time. However, their relatives say that they are each a bit depressed right now because they miss their big family get-togethers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their Cecilia explained that her parents are both active but “for a month they have been different, more downcast because they miss large family gatherings.”

The couple has four surviving children, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. As to the secret behind their long marriage, Mora and Quinteros credit love, maturity, and respect.

“Respect, compassion and consideration with which we maintained our relationship was very important; we never argued or fought,” they said. “There were disagreements, but they were not noticeable to any of our children who also deserved respect and love.”

“The secret formula = love + maturity + mutual respect,” they added.

Mora and Quinteros also said that they feel honored to have this Guinness world record.

“For us, Julio Cesar and Waldramina, it is a great honor and pride to have a Guinness World Records title because it is the highest award that the world recognizes,” the couple said. “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. However, the first step for us to follow the rules with respect and love the life.”