Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, marks her 117th birthday today at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey. Born in Hampshire on 21 August 1909, she has lived through two world wars, the rise of the internet, and the reign of six British monarchs. Her milestone comes after a year she describes as full of “many firsts,” including stroking a llama and holding hands with King Charles.
In a statement released through the care home, Caterham thanked well-wishers and reflected on her extraordinary year. “Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King,” she said. The royal encounter took place last September, shortly after her 116th birthday, when King Charles visited her. During their conversation, she recalled his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, telling him: “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”
Caterham is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, who died in May 1910. She inherited the title of Oldest Person in the World in April 2025, following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at age 116. Guinness World Records also notes that Caterham is one of the oldest people to have survived Covid-19, having contracted the virus in 2020 at the age of 110.
What explains her longevity?
When asked about the secret to reaching 117, Caterham offers three simple principles: avoid arguments, listen to others, and do what you like. Her advice echoes a growing body of research on centenarians, which often highlights social connection, purpose, and low stress as key factors. While genetics certainly play a role—her sister Gladys lived to 104—Caterham’s outlook appears to have served her well.
Born in the same year that Louis Blériot flew across the English Channel, Caterham has witnessed remarkable change. She met her husband, Norman, a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, at a dinner party in 1931. The couple later lived in Hong Kong, where she established a nursery school. They raised two daughters, both of whom predeceased her. Norman died in 1976.
Her story resonates across Europe, where longevity is a growing focus. According to Eurostat, life expectancy in the EU has risen steadily, with countries like Spain, Italy, and France leading the way. The continent’s oldest person, France’s Jeanne Calment, remains the record holder for the longest verified human lifespan, dying in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.
Caterham’s birthday also highlights the importance of care for the very old. In the UK, the number of centenarians has more than doubled since the early 2000s, and similar trends are seen across Europe. As populations age, policymakers are grappling with how to ensure quality of life for the oldest citizens, from healthcare to social inclusion.
Her advice to avoid arguments might seem simplistic, but it reflects a pragmatic approach to life. “Listening to others” is a form of empathy that strengthens relationships, while “doing what she likes” suggests autonomy and personal fulfillment. These are qualities that many longevity researchers believe contribute to mental and physical well-being.
As Caterham celebrates with family and friends, her life offers a window into a century of European history. From the Edwardian era to the digital age, she has navigated profound shifts in society, technology, and culture. Her resilience, including surviving a global pandemic, is a testament to human endurance.
While the title of oldest person ever remains with Calment, Caterham’s achievement is remarkable in its own right. She is one of only a handful of people in recorded history to reach 117. Her story, rooted in the quiet corners of Surrey, reminds us that longevity is often built on simple, everyday choices.
