Ethel Caterham, a British supercentenarian, has marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 116th birthday on August 21, 2025. She is now recognized as the world’s oldest verified living person since the death of Inah Canabarro Lucas on April 30, 2025. Caterham’s life has spanned an extraordinary period, witnessing unprecedented global changes and offering a unique perspective on history.
Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England, Caterham traveled to India at 18 to work as a nanny and later met her husband, Major Norman Caterham, in 1931. They married in 1933 and had two daughters, Gem and Anne, before settling in Surrey. Throughout her life, Caterham has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, outliving her husband and both daughters. Her husband passed away in 1976, while her daughters predeceased her, with Gem passing in the early 2000s and Anne dying of cancer in 2020 at 82.
Caterham’s remarkable age has earned her numerous accolades, including a congratulatory message from King Charles III on her 115th birthday. According to her care home, Caterham prefers to spend her special day quietly with family, appreciating the widespread well-wishes and public interest in her milestone. 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,” she once shared with the Salisbury Journal.
As the last living person born in 1909 and one of the oldest known survivors of COVID-19, Caterham’s story serves as an inspiration to many. Having recovered from the illness at 110, she continues to defy expectations, living life to the fullest despite her advanced age. Her legacy extends to her three granddaughters, five great-grandchildren, and extended family members, who celebrate her remarkable life.
Caterham’s 116th birthday is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, adaptation, and longevity. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of aging, individuals like Caterham provide invaluable insights and a powerful symbol of hope. Her story highlights the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, staying connected with loved ones, and embracing life’s opportunities.
