Love comes in many forms and shapes throughout our lives. No one can definitively pinpoint how, where, or when they will fall in love. But isn’t that part of the magic of relationships, dating, and passion?
Two residents of an Ohio senior living facility can attest best to the unpredictability of love. John and Phyllis Cook, now newlyweds, were both over the age of 100 when they first met and fell in love. Neither of them was looking for another relationship but embraced the opportunity to love again no matter their age. (1)
First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage…
John and Phyllis met while living the Kingston Residence for seniors in Sylvania, OH. At the time, John was 100, and Phyllis was nearing the age of 103. John and Phyllis had each known love in the past, both being bereaved two spouses, but still felt sparks fly when they first met.
“We were just compatible in a whole lot of ways, found ourselves enjoying each other’s company,” John Cook said. Phyllis agreed, telling media sources, “To tell you the truth, we fell in love with each other. I know you think that may be a little bit far-fetched for somebody our age, but we fell in love with each other.” The couple dated blissfully for an entire year, their love unwavering.
When the couple decided to tie the knot, in June 2019, they headed down to the courthouse to look into a marriage license. Phyllis is a devout Christian, and John agreed getting married was the best way to solidify their relationship. But, when they got to the courthouse they were given the option to get married right there and then. “It wasn’t the plan, but we got here and they said, ‘we could marry you here.’ I said ‘good, let’s get it over with,’ ” John Cook told CNN affiliate WNWO. (1, 2) https://www.youtube.com/embed/zM2KE99AwlA
Love At Any Age?
People are living longer than ever in America. As of 2014, there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number is up 44% from 2000. (3) With more centenarians in the U.S., this means more time to enjoy life and new possibilities for love. No doubt, a story like the Cook’s will become more commonplace as more Americans reach the golden age of 100.
Making It Work At 100
The Cooks look forward to a married life filled with days of enjoying meals together, sitting in the sun and zipping around on their mobility scooters. The centenarian couple also plans to keep the romance going in their relationship. When WNWO asked John what the couple’s favorite thing to do together was he responded: “Well, I probably shouldn’t talk about that.”
Yet, the married couple is not embracing all nuptial norms. They plan to give each other lots of space by keeping separate residences. “What we do, we keep both of our apartments. He’s upstairs, and I’m down,” Phyllis Cook said. (2) With decades of marriage experience already under this couple’s belt, they are certainly making more informed decisions about wedded life than the average newlywed couple. Best wishes to John and Phyllis in their new marriage!