World’s Oldest Woman, 116, Shares the Simple Philosophy She Credits for Her Long Life

Many people believe extraordinary longevity comes from a special diet, miracle supplement, or daily health routine. But 116-year-old Ethel Caterham says her secret is much simpler.

Now officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest, Ethel believes her outlook on life has been the key to reaching such a remarkable age.

“I never argue with anyone,” she told the BBC. “I listen, and then I do what I like.”

A Lifetime Spanning More Than a Century

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England, Ethel grew up in nearby Tidworth as one of eight children. Long life appears to run in her family—her sister Gladys lived to be 104.

Over the course of 116 years, Ethel has witnessed some of history’s most significant events, including the sinking of the Titanic, two World Wars, the first moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the technological revolution that brought smartphones and social media.

At just 18 years old, she traveled to British India to work as an au pair for a military family. She later worked as a nanny in both India and the United Kingdom before meeting British Army officer Norman Caterham at a dinner party in 1931.

The couple married in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral. Norman eventually became a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Army Pay Corps, and his military career took the family to Hong Kong and Gibraltar.

While living in Hong Kong, Ethel established a nursery school for local and British children, where she taught English along with games and crafts. The couple later settled in Surrey, where they raised their two daughters, Gem and Anne. Norman died in 1976.

Remarkable Strength and Resilience

Ethel’s long life has included its share of challenges. In 2020, at the age of 110, she contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic but made a full recovery despite the heightened risks for older adults.

She continued driving until she was 97, enjoyed playing contract bridge into her centenarian years, and remained independent for much of her life. After her daughter Anne passed away in 2020, Ethel moved into a care home in Surrey.

Making History

Ethel became the United Kingdom’s oldest living person in 2022. Following the death of Brazil’s Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025, she was officially recognized as the world’s oldest verified living person.

King Charles III marked her 115th birthday with a congratulatory letter praising her extraordinary achievement. By her 116th birthday in August 2025, the two even had the opportunity to exchange greetings in person.

Her 116th birthday also made history, as she became the first British person ever verified to reach that age.

Staff at her care home celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt tribute, describing her strength, wisdom, and spirit as an inspiration to everyone around her.

More than just a record holder, Ethel Caterham’s life reflects resilience, independence, and a positive outlook—qualities she believes matter far more than any miracle diet or health fad.