Ethel Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in a village in Hampshire, England. That was three years before the Titanic sank and eight years before the Russian Revolution. Today, she is the world’s oldest living person at 116, as officially recognised by
Guinness World Records, following the passing of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro earlier this year.
Her life has spanned two world wars, six different monarchs in the United Kingdom, and 27 prime ministers. From the Edwardian era to the age of artificial intelligence, Caterham has witnessed history unfold in ways few can even imagine. Here's what we can learn from her. Take a look.
The secret she swears by: “Never argue”. Yes, that's right. Unlike the usual long lists of dietary restrictions or exercise routines generally linked to longevity, Caterham’s mantra is quite simple:
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she once told the Associated Press.
This philosophy of staying agreeable and stress-free, she believes, has kept her both mentally at ease and physically strong. Medical
experts highlight the harmful effects of chronic stress on the heart and brain, and Caterham’s refusal to engage in conflict seems to echo this truth in the most human way possible that is.
She has also spoken in the past about embracing opportunities with an open mind and living life with moderation. That outlook, paired with her calm approach to conflict, appears to be the cornerstone of her remarkable journey.
A journey across continents
Meet Ethel Caterham, 115-year-old British, who has an Indian connection.
At the age of 18, Caterham left England for India, taking up work as a nanny for a British family. It was 1927, and international travel for a young woman then was far from common. Three years later, she returned home and met her husband Norman at a dinner party.
Norman, a major in the British Army, took her to Hong Kong and Gibraltar during his postings. In Hong Kong, Caterham even established a nursery where she taught English and crafts to children. Later, the couple settled back in the UK and raised two daughters, Gem and Anne. Norman passed away in 1976, and both daughters have since also passed on.
Longevity seems to run in Caterham’s family. One of her elder sisters, Gladys Babilas, lived to be 104. Today, Caterham herself is a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother to five. Despite surviving the highs and lows of family losses, she has said that she takes everything “in stride.”
In 2020, at the age of 111, she survived Covid-19, a clear reminder of her strength and ability to adapt through the toughest times. Her family members continue to visit her at her care home in Surrey, where she now enjoys quiet days surrounded by affection.
On her 116th birthday, Caterham received tributes from around the globe, including greetings from Guinness World Records. Her care home, Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home in Surrey, described her life as “a true testament to strength, spirit, and wisdom.”
While Jeanne Calment of France still holds the record for the longest verified lifespan at 122 years, Caterham’s story continues to inspire those who see life not just in numbers, but in the quiet choices that shape well-being and resilience.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports from Associated Press, BBC, Guinness World Records, and Hallmark Care Homes. While Caterham’s lifestyle choices provide personal insight into longevity, they should not be taken as medical advice.