A British woman, British woman, has officially become the world’s oldest person at the age of 115, following the passing of a Brazilian nun who previously held the title, as reported by research organizations.
Born in Hampshire on August 21, 1909, Caterham is the second youngest among eight siblings. She currently resides in a care home in Surrey, having outlived both her husband and her two daughters.
With the recent death of 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas from Brazil, Caterham is now recognized as the oldest individual globally by both the US-based Gerontological Research Group (GRG) and the LongeviQuest database.
According to the GRG, she is the last living person who knew King Edward VII and has also been identified as the oldest British person ever documented by the “Oldest in Britain” database.
Caterham celebrated her 115th birthday in August, receiving a congratulatory letter from King Charles III, who acknowledged her “truly remarkable milestone.”
When asked about her secret to longevity, she stated, “Never arguing with anyone! I listen and I do what I like,” during her birthday celebration last year.
She has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
At 18, Caterham journeyed to India to work as an au pair for a military family, making the solo three-week voyage by ship. After returning to the UK, she met her future husband, Norman Caterham, at a dinner party, and they married in 1933.
The couple lived in locations such as Hong Kong and Gibraltar before returning to southern England. Ethel’s husband passed away in his 60s in 1976.
Ethel Caterham continued to enjoy life, stopping her driving only shortly before turning 100, and playing bridge into her advanced years.
In 2022, she shared with the BBC that she had “taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows.” She added, “I’ve been all over the world, and I’ve ended up in this lovely home.”
Caterham expressed that “family is the most important thing in life, to be able to leave memories with your children and grandchildren.” She also advised the Salisbury Journal that it is essential to “say yes to every opportunity,” maintain a “positive mental attitude,” and practice moderation in all things.
In 2024, Briton John Tinniswood held the title of the world’s oldest man for eight months before his death at age 112 in November.