Life can present opportunities for renewal at any age, as demonstrated by the story of Dr. John Levin from Australia. At 93 years old, he has recently become a father to a baby boy named Gabby. This new chapter comes after a period of profound loss for Dr. Levin, who was previously married for 57 years and lost his first wife in 2013, followed by his eldest son in 2024. Rather than retreating from the world, he chose to open his heart to a new beginning.
This new beginning was sparked by an unexpected source: a desire to learn Mandarin. His teacher was Dr. Yangying Lu, a woman 56 years his junior. What began as language lessons quickly evolved into a deep personal connection. They married in 2014, with Dr. Lu firmly stating that their union was a “love match,” dismissing any speculation about financial motives by revealing that Dr. Levin was actually bankrupt when they met.
The couple’s journey to parenthood began during the reflective period of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Dr. Lu explained that they engaged in serious soul-searching about their future. A central thought emerged for her: she wanted a part of her husband to live on. This led to their decision to pursue In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using donor sperm. To their delight and surprise, the procedure was successful on the very first attempt.
The birth of baby Gabby has brought immense joy to the family. Dr. Levin describes the experience of holding his newborn son as “unbelievable.” He has even set a remarkable personal goal: to be present for his son’s 21st birthday, which would make him 114 years old. The couple is aware of the public’s curiosity and the assumptions people make when they see them, often mistaking Dr. Levin for the child’s grandfather or even great-grandfather.
In a surprising turn, the family may not be complete yet. Dr. Levin has expressed a wish for another child, specifically a little girl. While his wife notes that the idea is still under discussion, they have already returned to the IVF process. Their story challenges conventional expectations about age, family, and the capacity for love and new beginnings late in life.
