I have only had Bettas for 8 months, first male died of old age 3 months after I bought him, so bought another, then a female, I have quite a few babies right now.
These pics are not so clear as my camera is shot, I will try to get better ones.
This fish is a few months old, Maroon with purple fins and tail
http://mycoffeelounge.net/pixup/43344-965.jpg
2 babies just over a month old, 2 different color combinations, one will be pinkish and maroon trims, the other will go the dark maroon with purple trims.
http://mycoffeelounge.net/pixup/43329-5621.jpg
The mum and dad live together in a tank, dad is looking old and worn out now, they get along great together, swim together and don't fight, this seems to happen no matter what fish I have, they pair off and stay together happy *shrug*