Couple have been married for 86 years

A couple from Bradford who tied the knot in 1925 could be the UK's longest married husband and wife. Karam Chand was born in a small rural village in the Punjab in northern India in 1905. His family worked in farming and, in keeping with the custom of the time, he married at a young age. His bride Kartari was born in the same district in 1912. According to their passports, that currently makes Mr Chand 106 and his wife 99 years old.

They wed in a typical Sikh ceremony in 1925 and have just celebrated their 86th year together as a married couple, which they think may qualify them as the UK's longest married husband and wife. Mr Chand, who came with his family to Bradford in 1965, said there was no real secret to living a long married life. "Eat and drink what you want but in moderation. I have never held back from enjoying my life," he said. Mr Chand smokes one cigarette a day before his evening meal and also drinks a tot of whiskey or brandy three or four times a week. His daughter-in-law Rani said it was something he looked forward to.



Many Asian people in the UK live within traditional extended families and the Chands are no exception. They live with their youngest son Satpal, together with his wife and two of their four children. "We really feel blessed that our parents are still here with us and every day is a bonus," Satpal said. "I think that keeping the minds of older people active is the key to them staying alert and healthy. If you have been given the privilege to look after your parents you must involve them fully in family life and never get angry with them, keep them happy and they will then look forward to getting up the next morning."

Kartari Chand is looking forward to getting a letter from The Queen later this year when she celebrates her 100th birthday, but is more cautious about staying fit and healthy. "We have always eaten good wholesome food, there's nothing artificial in our diet but things like ghee (clarified butter), milk and fresh yogurt are what we like. We know that being married for 86 years is a blessing, but equally we will be ready to go when it's time, it's all up to the will of God, but we really have lived a good life."