Jim and Margaret’s 60-year love story proves that romance isn’t just about grand gestures – it’s found in the little moments.
60 years together. 60 years of love, adventure, and the occasional remote-control debate. For Jim and Margaret Nolan, their love story started with a dance, and it’s been a partnership of twirls, steps, and the occasional misstep ever since.
For many, Valentine’s Day is a time for grand gestures – flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. But for couples like Jim and Margaret, who have been side by side for more than six decades, love is found in the everyday moments: morning greetings, walks by the creek, and sharing a plate of their all-time favourite food – prawns.
A dance that started it all
Jim and Margaret’s love story kicked off in true old-school romance fashion – at a dance. Jim recalls the moment he first saw Margaret, turning to a mate and declaring, “The one on the right!” That was all it took. A bit of persistence (and some creative car logistics), and Jim soon found himself driving Margaret home. That car ride led to a lifetime of shared journeys.
Now, 60 years on, they still find joy in life’s little dances – quite literally. Margaret still loves to hit the dance floor, and Jim is more than happy to sit back and watch her enjoy herself. Because that’s what love is, isn’t it? Celebrating each other’s happiness, even when you’re not the one leading the steps.
A life of love
Love isn’t just about the big moments – it’s about the daily habits that build a life together.
For Jim and Margaret, their days are filled with simple pleasures. They love heading out for walks together, often joining their local walking group to explore the area around their home. Jim has claimed ownership of the TV remote – a long-standing, often-contentious part of many marriages – but Margaret concedes that “he does pick good shows.”
Margaret is the soft-hearted one when it comes to animals. Over the years, she’s brought home all manner of stray cats and dogs, much to Jim’s amusement.
Their love for travel saw them embark on exciting adventures, thanks to Jim’s work with the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome. But their first-ever family holiday was spent a little closer to home – at Mermaid Beach, staying at Jim’s mother’s house.
And through all these years, their favourite food remains the same: prawns.
The science of love: Why companionship matters
Jim and Margaret’s story is more than just a heartwarming tale – it’s also a great reminder of how important love and companionship are, especially as we get older. Research shows that strong relationships contribute to overall health and well-being.
According to the Better Health Channel, maintaining strong, healthy relationships can boost the immune system, help with recovery from illness, and may even extend lifespan. Loneliness, on the other hand, has been linked to higher risks of dementia and other health issues.
A study published in Psychology Today Australia highlights that finding love later in life significantly enhances well-being. Love, at any age, brings emotional support, a sense of security, and even physical health benefits.
In communities where companionship is encouraged, older adults often experience lower levels of stress and depression. TriCare understands the importance of fostering an environment where love and companionship can flourish – whether it’s lifelong couples continuing their journey together, or new friendships forming over shared activities.
The little things that matter
What Jim and Margaret show us is that love doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s in the morning greetings. The way Jim watches Margaret dance. The walks they take together. The simple joy of sharing a plate of prawns.
Jim and Margaret share a Companion Room at our premium TriCare facility, Ashgrove Aged Care Residence, which means they can remain together (and Jim can continue to be in charge of the remote control!), just as they have for the past 60 years.
At TriCare, we recognise the importance of togetherness. Companion Rooms in our Aged Care Residences ensure that couples can remain close. Couples can receive the comprehensive care they need without sacrificing the intimacy and emotional connection they’ve nurtured over their years together.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the young or the newly smitten. It’s a day to appreciate the person who has been beside you through the highs, the lows, and the great TV debates. It’s a chance to pause and remember why you chose each other in the first place – and why, every morning, you’re still glad you did.
So whether you’re celebrating decades together or just a few precious months, let Jim and Margaret’s story be a reminder: love, in all its forms, is always worth celebrating.
Happy Valentine’s Day. 💕
