The rules of a long-term relationship, according to nursing home residents

If you go anywhere for relationship advice this Valentine's Day, get it from someone with experience and wisdom.

And since these nursing home residents themselves have decades of experience, they have passed on their knowledge to younger generations.

From 80-year-olds with decades of marriage to a 102-year-old with a simple message for everlasting love, they all gave us advice you'll really remember (…some more surprising than others).

Derek and Jill

Childhood sweethearts Derek, 82, and Jill, 80, who met in 1958, first fell in love on an adventure on Derek's motorcycle. They have been happily married for over 60 years and attribute the longevity of their bond to the importance of “finding someone to enjoy life with.”

Even when they went through difficult times in 1960, when Derek had a serious road accident and was unable to work for two and a half years, their love remained undiminished. “That brought us closer together and we have never been apart since then,” says Derek, who looks forward to visiting Jill every day at the Haling Park care home in Croydon.

George and Mary

George, 88, and Mary, 87, met as teenagers at a village hall dance. They said it was “love at first sight” and they “never looked back”. They are residents of Tickford Abbey care home in Newport Pagnell and are preparing to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.

They both agree that it's important to keep the spark alive from the beginning of a relationship. They explain, “The best thing about our marriage is that we've always been wild!” and it's important to “have a little sugar every now and then to keep the flame alive.”

But they also respect the hard times and say the secret to a long-lasting relationship is mutual respect. “They have always stuck together in difficult times – where we struggled together in our younger years, now we are a team!”

Some other tips and tricks for long-term relationships shared by the residents of Lottie's Care Home (with plenty of life and love experience) are…

Greta

Greta, 84, holds up a sign with her do's and don'ts for a long-term relationship. Since the beginning of February, online searches for “help me find love” have increased by 100%.

She advises not to put up with nonsense and instead to “slap them on the butt”.

Janet

Janet, 79, is all for taking her time.

She is seen holding up a white board that says, “I wouldn't kiss him on the first date.”

With online searches for “dating and relationship advice” up 50% this month, this might be the wisdom you’re looking for.

Pauline

And for 91-year-old Pauline, letting her husband cook is an absolute no-go, as she “only eats beans on toast”.

Funnily enough, her most important tip is: “Talk to each other”… but maybe not about his cooking skills.

Colin

For 84-year-old Colin, it's about being realistic and learning from the tough times.

He is seen holding up a piece of paper asking for his best dating advice. On it he wrote: “Watch, listen and learn. Don't think it will be easy.”

We love this, Colin!

beam

The advice of 78-year-old Ray is a little more merciless.

He advises not to get married, but to “test three times just to be on the safe side.” We don't know exactly what that means, but luckily we've already got divorce day behind us for this year.

And here are a few tips from older residents of nursing homes:

Winnie

Most importantly, 102-year-old Winnie reveals that the simplest secret to long-lasting love is to “just love each other.”

grace

Grace, an 88-year-old nursing home resident, also advises: “Make sure he looks good.”

Of course, it's the inner values ​​that count, but this definitely helps…

hazel

Hazel, 81, says: “Fight through the tough times.”

Terence

Terence, 88, urges: “Do what you are told” if you want a happy, lasting relationship.

Nancy

Nancy, 87,'s key pieces of advice are: “Never go to bed angry,” “Listen to your partner's opinion,” and “Don't take your partner for granted.”