A British woman has made history by becoming the world’s oldest person at the age of 115. Ethel Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, reached this remarkable milestone at 115 years and 252 days, as confirmed by Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest.
Ethel takes over the title following the passing of the previous record holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas, a 116-year-old nun from Brazil, who died on April 30. Ethel not only holds the title of the oldest living person but also makes history as the last person born in 1909.
Born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, Ethel is the second youngest of eight siblings. Her older sister Gladys also had a long life, passing away at 104 in 2002. Ethel has faced many challenges, including the loss of her husband, Norman, in 1976, and both of her daughters, Gem and Anne, who died in the early 2000s and 2020, respectively. Despite these hardships, Ethel remains in good health and enjoys spending time in the garden of her care home, aptly named Ethel’s Garden.
Ethel’s life has been filled with rich experiences. At 18, she moved to India to work as a nanny, a time she fondly remembers. She later met her husband, a British Army major, at a dinner party in 1931, and they married in Salisbury Cathedral two years later. The couple lived in various places, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar, due to his military postings. During their time abroad, Ethel opened her own nursery, showcasing her love for children.
In a recent interview, Ethel shared her secret to longevity: "Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation." This simple yet profound advice reflects her outlook on life.
Ethel Caterham’s remarkable journey and her new title as the oldest person in the world serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the beauty of a long life filled with experiences and memories.