British woman Ethel Caterham becomes world’s oldest person

A 115-year-old woman from Surrey, England, named Ethel Caterham, has become the oldest living person in the world.

She earned the title after the previous record holder, 116-year-old Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, passed away recently. Ms. Caterham, who lives in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, is now celebrated globally for her extraordinary life.

Early Life and Family

Ethel Caterham was born on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, a small village in southern England. She grew up in Tidworth, Wiltshire, a town known for its military ties. Her birth year means she is likely the last surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII (1901–1910).

At age 18, she took a job as an au pair (a live-in childcare helper) for a British military family stationed in India. She spent several years there before returning to the UK in 1931. Back home, she met Norman Caterham, whom she married in 1933 at the historic Salisbury Cathedral.

A Life Spanning Historic Events

Ms. Caterham’s life has stretched across two world wars, economic crises, and cultural revolutions. Key events she lived through include:

• The sinking of the Titanic (1912), which happened when she was just 3 years old.

• World War I (1914–1918), during her childhood.

• The Russian Revolution (1917), which reshaped global politics.

• The Great Depression (1929), a severe worldwide economic downturn.

• World War II (1939–1945), during which she was in her 30s.

Secrets to Longevity

When asked about her secret to living a long life, Ms. Caterham shared simple advice:
“Never argue with anyone. I listen, and I do what I like.”

She celebrated her 115th birthday in August 2024 with family and caregivers. Despite the attention, she joked, “I didn’t know why there was all the fuss.”

Active Lifestyle and Family

Ms. Caterham stayed independent for most of her life. She drove a car until she was 97 and lived in her own home in Surrey for 50 years before moving to a care home.

Longevity runs in her family. One of her sisters, Gladys, lived to be 104. Ms. Caterham has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren, who visit her regularly.

Why This Matters

Ethel Caterham’s story is not just about age. It highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of a calm mindset. Her life mirrors a century of global changes, from horse-drawn carriages to space exploration. Researchers studying aging often look to supercentenarians (people over 110) like her for clues about health and genetics.