Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old woman from the UK, has become the world’s oldest living person following the death of 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas from Brazil. Born on August 21, 1909, in a village in Hampshire, Caterham was the second youngest of eight children. Now residing in a care home in Surrey, England, she has outlived her husband and daughters.
The Gerontological Research Group (GRG) in the US and the LongeviQuest database confirmed Caterham’s new status as the world’s oldest person. According to the “Oldest in Britain” database, she is the last living individual born during the reign of King Edward VII and holds the title of the oldest British person ever.
In celebration of her 115th birthday in August 2024, Caterham received a congratulatory letter from King Charles III. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she shared her simple approach to life: “Never arguing with anyone! I listen and do what I like.”
Her life has been full of adventures. At 18, she travelled to India alone to work as an au pair. Upon returning to the UK, she met her future husband, Norman, and they married in 1933. Together, they lived in various places, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar. After her husband died in 1976, she continued to lead a vibrant life, staying active well into her later years. She drove until just before turning 100 and was known for playing bridge into her old age. At 110, she even survived a battle with COVID-19.
Throughout her life, Caterham has emphasised the importance of family, stating in 2022 that “family is the most important thing in life.” She also credits her longevity to maintaining a positive attitude and seizing every opportunity that came her way. Today, she is surrounded by three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who continue her legacy.
