Surrey, UK – Ethel Caterham, a British woman recognized as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 116th birthday on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Markings the extraordinary milestone quietly with her family, Caterham has previously attributed her remarkable longevity not to strict diets or rigorous exercise, but to a simple yet profound philosophy: “never arguing with anyone” and “taking everything in my stride, the highs and lows,” alongside doing what she likes.
Her birthday solidifies her place in history, having held the title of the world’s oldest living person since April 30, 2025, following the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was also 116.
A Quiet Celebration for a Centenarian
Ethel Caterham marked her 116th year at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey, surrounded by her loved ones. The celebration was described as “at her own pace,” reflecting her calm approach to life. While she chose not to give interviews for the occasion, a spokesperson for Hallmark Care Homes indicated that a conversation with King Charles III “may be her one concession, understandably,” as the monarch often extends personal greetings to Britons celebrating their 100th birthdays and beyond. Last year, King Charles sent Caterham a card to commemorate her 115th birthday.
The Unconventional Secret to a Long and Happy Life
In a world often preoccupied with health fads and intense wellness routines, Caterham’s “secret” stands out for its simplicity and focus on mental well-being. She has previously stated, “Never arguing with anyone! I listen and I do what I like.” She also shared with BBC Radio Surrey in 2020 that she has “taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows.” Another quote attributed to her is to “Say ‘yes’ to every opportunity, because you never know where it will lead you. Keep a positive mood and know moderation in everything.”
This philosophy emphasizes a stress-free existence and a proactive approach to personal contentment, rather than physical restrictions. Medical experts often highlight the detrimental effects of chronic stress on overall health, and Caterham’s mantra seems to intuitively align with reducing such pressures.
A Life Spanning Over a Century of Change
Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel Caterham is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, who died in 1910. Her life has witnessed monumental historical events, including two World Wars, the reigns of six British monarchs, and countless technological advancements, from the early 20th century to the age of artificial intelligence.
Early Life and Global Adventures
Ethel was the second youngest of eight children. At the age of 18, seeking adventure, she embarked on a three-week voyage to India, where she worked as a nanny for a British family. This journey was a rare undertaking for a young woman of her era.
She later returned to England, where she met her future husband, Norman Caterham, a major in the British Army, at a dinner party in 1931. They married in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral and were stationed in various locations, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar, raising their two daughters, Gem and Anne. Norman passed away in 1976, leaving Ethel a widow for nearly half a century.
Resilience in Later Years
Even in her advanced age, Caterham has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She continued driving until she was almost 100 and enjoyed playing bridge well into her old age. Notably, she also survived a bout of COVID-19 at the age of 110 in 2020.
Guinness World Records and Longevity
Ethel Caterham’s age has been officially verified by leading longevity research organizations, including Guinness World Records, the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), and LongeviQuest. While she holds the current title of the world’s oldest living person, the all-time record for the longest documented human lifespan remains with Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days before her death in 1997.
