Collier County couple over 100 years old shares secret to 80-year marriage

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—A Southwest Florida couple is proving love can stand the test of time after more than eight decades of marriage.

Ele and Joe are both over 100 years old, still independent and still in love. WINK News anchor Gracie Fusco takes us inside their remarkable story.

For most people, a lifetime of love is something to hope for. Elle and Joe have lived and loved for more than 80 years.

"He said, ' Save the last dance for me, because you're going to be my wife. And I said, Yeah, that'll be the day. And look at me still with this man," Eleanor said.

That dance back in 1945 sparked a love story that's still going strong today.

"I saw this beautiful girl up there dancing, and I kept looking at her. I thought she was the prettiest girl at the dance," Joseph said. "I looked at her. I say, she's the one. She's the one."

Now, more than eight decades later, they're both over 100 years old and still living independently.

"We feel great. I feel wonderful, and I'm proud of my age," Eleanor said.

From painting to playing the guitar and even golf, they haven't slowed down much. 

"I still do artwork. I still paint," Eleanor said. "When you come into my house, there's always music to be heard."

They built a big family along the way. Two children, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

"You know, I never thought of longevity, of being 100 years old," Joseph said. "But I think it's a little bit luck, a little bit of the Lord says, We're not You're not ready yet."

Their secret? They say it's not just one thing.

"It's day by day, and thank Lord, another day, it's another day," Joseph said.

If there's one lesson they've learned after all these years, it's to stay active.

"Keep yourself active. I do my own cleaning instead of sitting around. This is exercise for me, washing windows, cleaning, bending down, up, and running the sweeper. Keep yourself busy," Eleanor said.

When it comes to love, Joseph's advice is simple.

"Just give her whatever she needs," Joseph said.

And above all, Eleanor emphasizes the importance of compassion.

"You have a lot of love in your heart for yourselves and others," Eleanor said.

A love that started with one dance and never stopped.

"We still love each other," Eleanor said.

The couple's story proves that sometimes, the best stories really do last a lifetime.