Ethel Caterham, recognized as the world’s oldest living person at age 117, attributes her extraordinary longevity to a remarkably simple philosophy: avoiding arguments. According to The Independent, Caterham marks her 117th milestone birthday on Friday, following a year that included meeting King Charles and surviving COVID-19 at age 110.
Life and History of the World’s Oldest Living Person
Born Ethel Caterham on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, she arrived four years before the outbreak of the First World War as the second youngest of eight siblings. Her longevity spans profound historical shifts, including two world wars and massive transformations in technology, medicine, and global communication.
The Longevity Secret Behind Age 117
Following the death of 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025, Caterham assumed the title of the world’s oldest living person. Asked about her long life, she shared a straightforward approach to daily stress. “I never argue with anybody; I just listen, and then I do what I like,” Caterham stated, according to The Independent.
Did you know?
Long life often runs in families.
Royal Encounters and Global Travels
Now residing at the Hallmark Lakeview care home in Lightwater, Surrey, England, Caterham celebrated her latest birthday surrounded by family and friends. In a statement released for her birthday, she reflected on her busy year. “Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes. Even at 117, I have experienced many new things this year, from petting a llama to holding the King’s hand,” she said.
In September of the prior year, King Charles visited Caterham shortly after her 116th birthday, holding her hand while introducing himself. During the visit, Caterham recalled attending his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales when he was 21 years old, telling him, “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you,” as reported by The Independent.
Independence and Resilience Through the Decades
Caterham’s life journey included international travel. At age 18 in 1927, she traveled to India to work as a nanny for a military family until she turned 21. In 1931, she met her husband Norman, a British Army lieutenant colonel who passed away in 1976, at a UK dinner party. The couple lived in Salisbury before postings took them to Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where Caterham established a kindergarten and raised two daughters, both of whom predeceased her.
Even into advanced age, Caterham maintained notable independence. She continued driving until she was 97 years old and enjoyed playing bridge throughout her hundreds. In 2020, at age 110, she successfully recovered from an infection with COVID-19. Despite these milestones, the Guinness World Records notes that the verified record for the oldest person in history remains held by Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently the world’s oldest living person?
Ethel Caterham holds the title of the world’s oldest living person, reaching her 117th birthday on Friday, according to The Independent.
When and where was Ethel Caterham born?
What is Ethel Caterham’s stated secret to longevity?
Caterham attributes her long life to avoiding arguments, stating, “I never argue with anybody; I just listen, and then I do what I like,” as reported by The Independent.
Who holds the all-time record for the oldest person in history?
According to Guinness World Records, Jeanne Calment of France holds the record, living to 122 years and 164 days.
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