A Polish couple who met before the Second World War and have been married for nearly eight decades say their secrets to long life and happiness are kindness, prayer, and never going to bed angry.
Wanda Smardz, 101, and her husband Waclaw, 105, celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary in their home village of Debiany in Poland’s Swietokrzyskie region, surrounded by family and neighbours who describe them as “a symbol of love, perseverance and harmony.”
The couple lived through war, occupation, and decades of hardship, building a life together on the land. They married in 1946, just as the war ended.
Picture shows the oldest couple in Poland, undated. Wanda (101) and Waclaw Smardz (105) swore their love to each other in 1946. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
We worked with our hands, we had no machines, but we helped each other through everything.”
They started their life together growing grains and vegetables to feed their children, later tending to orchards as Poland modernised.
Their son Wieslaw said: "They worked hard all their lives because there were no machines on the farm, everything had to be done by hand."
Picture shows the oldest couple in Poland, undated. Wanda (101) and Waclaw Smardz (105) swore their love to each other in 1946. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
Their granddaughter Katarzyna added: "My grandparents are cheerful and accepting of the challenges that old age has brought.
"I grew up listening to their stories about the war and their early years working the land. It was undoubtedly a tough time."
Picture shows the cake for the oldest couple in Poland, undated. Wanda (101) and Waclaw Smardz (105) swore their love to each other in 1946. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
The couple now live with family and require assistance, but remain emotionally and spiritually independent.
According to Wanda, their secret to a long life is daily prayer and maintaining simple routines.
She said: "You must pray and do good. Then God will bless you."
(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)