Widowed Seniors Find Love in ONP Workshops

Why this is here: Justo Córdoba presented Manuela Hidalgo to his family on his 75th birthday, just months after they began their relationship following a meeting at an ONP workshop.

In Lima, Peru, Justo Córdoba and Manuela Hidalgo found love again while attending workshops at the Oficina de Normalización Previsional (ONP). Justo, a 75-year-old widower, felt profound loneliness after his wife’s death five years ago. He decided, with the support of his children, to seek a companion for his remaining years.

He met Manuela, 71, at a cognitive development workshop. Initially, he assumed she was married, a concern given his Evangelical faith.

Discovering she was also widowed changed everything. They began a relationship earlier this year, and Justo openly declared his love for Manuela, admiring her kindness.

Manuela, originally from Talara, had vowed not to remarry after losing her husband. However, she was moved by Justo’s sadness and they connected over their shared loss.

Both acknowledge challenges in their new relationship, but continue to build a life together. Manuela’s mother, at 97 years old, offered her blessing from afar. The couple hopes their love will last until the end of their lives.