In a heartwarming celebration to love defying age, a US-based couple, 102-year-old Marjorie Fiterman and 100-year-old Bernie Littman, have marked their names in history by setting a Guinness World Record as the oldest newlyweds. With a combined age of 202 years and 271 days, they surpassed the previous record held by another centenarian couple.
The couple tied the knot in May 2024 after more than a decade of companionship at a senior living facility in Philadelphia, USA. Guinness World Records (GWR) on December 3, 2024, formally confirmed their historic achievement with a post on X: “Proof that you’re never too old to find love.”
A love story decade in the making
Marjorie and Bernie’s love story began unexpectedly. Both had lived full lives and moved into the same floor of a Philadelphia senior living facility after the passing of their spouses. Despite attended the University of Pennsylvania during the same era—Marjorie as a teacher-in-training and Bernie as an engineering student—their paths never crossed until decades later.
According to GWR, their story began nine years ago at a costume party, where they connected instantly. Their relationship flourished over shared meals and participation in community activities.
A Celebration of Love and Life
The ceremony was held at the same senior living facility where they first met, and four generations of Bernie’s family came to celebrate. Four witnesses held up the white stands of the Jewish chuppah (traditional wedding canopy), and they smiled down at the pair as they were whisked in their wheelchairs to the ceremony.
Bernie’s granddaughter, Sarah Sicherman, told The Jewish Chronicle, expressing the family’s joy: “It’s amazing to see them so happy and thriving together at this stage of life.”
Secret to their longevity and joy
Both Marjorie and Bernie credit simple routines for their longevity. Marjorie believes in the power of buttermilk, while Bernie attributes his well-being to staying informed and reading extensively. The couple’s shared humour and intellectual connection have been key to their enduring bond.
Their story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving it’s never too late to find love and companionship. Marjorie and Bernie’s union is more than a record-breaking feat—it’s a celebration of life’s enduring possibilities.