Who is Ethel Caterham? The Extraordinary Life of the World’s Oldest Living Person
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| At age 115, England woman Ethel Caterham is officially the oldest person alive |
Early Life and Upbringing
Born Ethel May Collins on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel was the second youngest of eight siblings in a modest English family. She was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire, during a time when the world was still reeling from the end of the Victorian era and just five years before World War I broke out.
In her youth, Ethel was known for her independence and adventurous spirit. At just 18 years old, she moved to British India, where she worked as a governess for a British military family. This early exposure to other cultures and global living would shape her worldview for decades to come.
Love and Family Life
Ethel returned to England in the early 1930s, where fate intervened at a dinner party in Salisbury. There, she met Lieutenant Colonel Norman Caterham, a senior officer in the Royal Army Pay Corps. The two married in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral, a location that held sentimental value for Norman, who had been a choirboy there.
Ethel and Norman's life together was one of international travel and dedication to service. They were stationed in Gibraltar and later in Hong Kong, where Ethel opened and ran a nursery school that taught English, crafts, and games to children—long before early childhood education became a popular focus.
They had two daughters, Gem and Anne, who both sadly passed away before Ethel. Gem died in the early 2000s, while Anne died in 2020 at the age of 82. Norman passed away in 1976, and since then, Ethel has lived alone or in the care of close family and residential homes.
Despite these deep personal losses, Ethel remained a pillar of strength. Today, she is a proud grandmother to three granddaughters and great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren, many of whom are regular visitors.
Later Life and Public Recognition
Ethel lived independently in Surrey for over 50 years and remained active well into her 90s. She drove until the age of 97 and continued to enjoy contract bridge into her 100s. After her daughter Anne passed away, Ethel moved into care homes in Ash Vale and later Lightwater, where she continues to live today.
On her 115th birthday in August 2024, she received a congratulatory letter from King Charles III, praising her for reaching such a “truly remarkable milestone.” The recognition further highlighted her unique place in modern British history.
In April 2025, she surpassed Charlotte Hughes, becoming the oldest Briton ever recorded, and after the death of 116-year-old Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Ethel became the world’s oldest living person.
Secrets to Longevity
What does Ethel credit for her astonishing longevity?
In a 2020 interview with the BBC, she said simply:
“Never argue with anyone. I listen and I do what I like.”
Her stress-free approach to life, independence, and enjoyment of simple pleasures may hold the key to her extended lifespan. She has also emphasized adaptability, positivity, and avoiding bitterness even in the face of great loss.
Her lifestyle wasn’t driven by strict diets or fitness routines. Instead, Ethel believes that mental calm, emotional balance, and doing what brings you peace are the real elixirs of life.
Ethel Caterham in Historical Context
To put her life in perspective:
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Ethel was born before the Titanic sank.
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She lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Moon Landing, and the digital revolution.
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She has seen five British monarchs and 27 UK Prime Ministers.
She has not only witnessed history—she has survived and adapted to it, which may be one of the greatest signs of her endurance.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
As the last known living person born in 1909, Ethel Caterham represents a vanishing link to a world that has all but disappeared. Her life is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and her story continues to inspire people around the globe.
Documentaries, interviews, and online tributes have highlighted her story, and it’s expected that her legacy will influence future research into healthy aging and longevity.
FAQs About Ethel Caterham
1. Who is Ethel Caterham?
Ethel Caterham is currently the oldest living person in the world, verified by LongeviQuest. She was born on August 21, 1909 in Hampshire, England, and resides in Surrey. Her life has spanned over 115 years of history, making her one of the most remarkable supercentenarians alive.
2. How old is Ethel Caterham now?
As of May 2, 2025, Ethel Caterham is 115 years and 252 days old. She will turn 116 on August 21, 2025.
3. Where was Ethel Caterham born?
She was born in Shipton Bellinger, a small village in Hampshire, England, and raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
4. What is Ethel Caterham's secret to longevity?
In her own words, Ethel says her secret is:
“Never argue with anyone. I listen and I do what I like.”
She also attributes her long life to low stress, mental calm, and emotional resilience.
5. Did Ethel Caterham have children?
Yes. She had two daughters, Gem and Anne, both of whom sadly passed away. She is survived by three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
6. Was Ethel Caterham married?
Yes. She was married to Lt. Col. Norman Caterham in 1933. They lived in Gibraltar and Hong Kong during his military service. Norman passed away in 1976.
7. What was Ethel Caterham’s profession?
While living in Hong Kong, Ethel founded a nursery school, teaching local children English, crafts, and games. She dedicated much of her early adult life to childcare and education.
8. How did Ethel Caterham become famous?
Ethel gained international recognition in 2025 after becoming the oldest verified living person in the world, following the death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil.
9. Has Ethel Caterham received public recognition?
Yes. On her 115th birthday, she received a personal letter from King Charles III, congratulating her on her milestone. She is also celebrated in British and international media.
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