In a heartfelt story from Oceanside, Southern California, a couple named John and Jane Wilford (pseudonyms used upon interviewee’s request) have celebrated 25 years together, embodying the key elements of maintaining a long and stable relationship: appreciating each other, walking hand in hand, and doing everything together.
Doing things together has been their modus operandi since their first encounter at a singles party in a church, where they played the all-ages board game Trivial Pursuit. Recently, they have extended their love story to a local gym called “Planet Fitness.” On the treadmill, they take care of each other, showing how much they cherish one another.
At times, younger gym-goers nearby would notice this ordinary yet extraordinary scene of the elderly couple exercising together. The sight of the two seniors working out together is so tender and pure, their loving bond evident and captivating to onlookers.
“My wife is 95 years old,” 86-year-old John told Epoch Times. “She needs to go to the gym to work out on the equipment, and I’m just here to help look after her while she uses the treadmill to prevent any accidents.” John, a former university teacher who provided education to prisoners.
They go to “Planet Fitness” gym together at least twice a week, sporting matching white sneakers, to keep their vitality up. Exercise has always been a significant part of their lives.
Jane, a retired elementary school teacher, suffered a spinal fracture discovered by doctors last fall. She recently underwent back surgery and is currently in recovery. Exercising to strengthen muscles and cardiovascular health is crucial for her.
“The treadmill is essential for me as it helps establish and maintain a steady rhythm, effectively improving my lung and heart function,” Jane said.
One day in July, they were at “Planet Fitness” working out as usual. Observing John attentively looking after his wife on the treadmill was Kelley Edwards, a former sailor who enjoys exercising at the gym.
Witnessing the couple’s loyalty and the sweetness of their love for each other left Edwards in awe. He quickly took out his phone and discreetly recorded John assisting Jane on the treadmill without their knowledge. Rushed for time to keep an appointment, Edwards did not have the chance to greet the couple.
John later learned about this and was reportedly “excited.”
Although Edwards was initially inspired by the couple unintentionally, the retired teachers are known to inspire and uplift others both in and out of the classroom. When they found out that Edwards shared their video on Instagram, touching the hearts of many worldwide, they were pleasantly surprised.
“This is what we strive to do,” John said. “To always lend a helping hand, to make people’s lives better.”
In August, a month after recording the video, the couple coincidentally ran into Edwards at the gym, where he kindly held the door open for them. “I recognize you guys, I’m sure I’ve seen you before, right?” Edwards said delightfully.
A few hours after their encounter, Epoch Times had the privilege to interview Edwards. He shared, “John is a really good man. I finally met him today,” adding that the chivalry demonstrated by John is rarely seen nowadays.
“He cares a lot for his wife, just standing there, propping her back up with his hand, making sure she doesn’t fall. It was such a beautiful scene,” Edwards said. Known for spreading positivity, he eagerly shared the inspirational video online, quickly garnering viral attention on the internet.
As of the time of publication, the heartwarming video had amassed 17 million views.
Speaking to Epoch Times, John mentioned, “We live in a retirement home. The office manager rushed over to me, ‘John, did you see this video? I think this is you!'”
Young caregivers at the retirement home saw it too, excitedly running to tell him about it. Word spread quickly among the residents.
“We had no idea about it,” John said. “We don’t use social media.”
Hence, the passionate educators were “astonished” that their story could touch so many people. They hope the video will help more couples strengthen their marriages and understand what true love is. Despite being humble and initially reluctant to be interviewed, the elderly couple eventually agreed to be interviewed by Epoch Times.
“I care deeply for my wife, she is my soulmate, she means a lot to me,” John said. “We take care of each other all the time.”
The video originally titled “86-Year-Old Man Lovingly Helps Adorable Wife on Treadmill—and Couple Tell Secret of Love” was published in the English Epoch Times.