The touching video featuring five couples who have been married for over 50 years was made by Care UK. Photo / Care UK
The touching video featuring five couples who have been married for over 50 years was made by Care UK. Photo / Care UK
Five elderly care home couples who haave been married for over 50 years have told their love stories ahead of Valentine's Day - including the secret to a long and successful marriage.
Iris and Sidney Grimes, who are from Suffolk in the UK, and have been married for over 73 years, were among the care home residents who shared their memories in a touching video made by Care UK, reported the Daily Mail.
Iris and Sidney Grimes, from Mildenhall, Suffolk, have been married for over 73 years. Photo / Care UK
When asked if he was still in love with 94-year-old Iris, Sidney sweetly replied that he would "rather hold her hand than anybody else's", before adding "I think she's wonderful".
Meanwhile, Eric Halls, 91, from Lowestoft, revealed the secret to his marriage to wife Betty, 90 - commenting "There's only one boss in the house and it's never the man!"
Betty and Eric Halls, from Lowestoft, have been married for 73 years. Photo / Care UK
In the moving video, the older couples recalled their memories of their wedding day all those years ago.
Eric said: "When they stood outside, I mean everybody, even locals who came to see the wedding, all commented on Betty and her dress. Yes, breathtaking it was."
Meanwhile, Sidney, 96, added: "As she walked up the aisle, I thought Grimes you've done yourself proud."
The couples also shared their tips for having a long and successful marriage.
Marion Old, 73, who has been married to husband Raymond for 52 years, said: "You have your ups and downs, but you've got to be honest with each other."
Marion and Ray Old, from Cobham, have been married for 52 years. Photo / Care UK
She later described how "A ring on your finger is for life", before turning to her husband and commenting "Hope you think that".
Eric also added: "The first thing you learn is not to be the boss of the house, there's only one boss and it's never the man!"
The video also featured Joan and Bill Miles, from Orpington, who have been married for 64 years.
Joan and Bill Miles, from Orpington, have been married for 64 years. Photo / Care UK
Asked whether he would be able to live without his wife, 88-year-old Bill replied: "I can't possibly manage without Joan."
Joan and Philip Osborne, from Hailsham, who have been married for 60 years, described how they met "over a bucket" in the video.
Joan and Philip Osborne, from Hailsham, have been married for 60 years. Photo / Care UK
When asked what first attracted 85-year-old Joan to Philip, he cheekily replied: "I was handsome wasn't I?"
Geoff Edwards, operations director for Care UK, said: "Many of the residents often speak fondly about their partners, how they met, their wedding day and their children – and it's always so lovely to hear.
"We regularly celebrate big anniversaries at our care homes and understand the importance of maintaining relationships and celebrating life's milestones.
"At undoubtedly the most romantic time of the year, filming the video has been a really valuable reminiscence activity for residents – particularly those living with dementia.
