World's Oldest Living Woman, 116, Reveals Her Secret to Longevity – And It's Not What You'd Expect

The woman from the UK, who marked her birthday a few months ago in Lightwater, Surrey, has been confirmed as the world's oldest living person.

At 116 years old, Ethel Caterham has reached a milestone few ever achieve. Celebrating her birthday in August 2025, she shared the surprising secret behind her extraordinary longevity.

Crowned the World's Oldest After a Tragedy

Caterham, who resides in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, became the world's oldest living person following the death of Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas. The Brazilian nun also reached 116 and passed away on April 30, 2025.

Upon her demise, Caterham's record was verified by Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest, a database tracking the oldest people worldwide. She was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, and raised in nearby Tidworth in Wiltshire.

Caterham is the last known surviving person who lived under the reign of Edward VII. The Edwardian era was described by American writer Samuel Hynes as a "leisurely time when women wore picture hats and did not vote, when the rich were not ashamed to live conspicuously, and the sun never set on the British flag."

She was also born during Herbert Asquith's tenure as Prime Minister, five years before the outbreak of World War I, as the second youngest of eight siblings.

The Key to Her Longevity

When she celebrated her 115th birthday in August 2024, she appeared modest about the attention surrounding her milestone, saying, she "didn't know why there was all the fuss."

She also reflected on her longevity, noting that the secret was "never arguing with anyone." Caterham added, "I listen and I do what I like." She attributed her long life to approaching highs and lows calmly.

When she turned 115, she also received a letter from King Charles III congratulating her on reaching the remarkable milestone. He conveyed his warmest wishes, expressing hope that she enjoyed her special day. The King said he was heartened to learn about her fascinating personal history.

A year later, a spokesperson of her care home said in a statement, "Ethel and her family are so grateful for all of the kind messages and interest shown to her as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year."

The spokesperson added that Caterham opted not to give any interviews, choosing instead to spend the day quietly with her family and enjoy it at her own pace. The only visitor exception was the king, as a mark of respect. The family also expressed gratitude for the kind wishes received on her special day.

A Century of Love, War, and Wonder

Caterham has led an eventful life. At 18, she worked as an au pair for a military family in India, returning to the UK in 1931. In her home country, she met Norman Caterham and married him in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral, where he served as a choirboy.

Her husband went on to become a lieutenant colonel, and the couple lived in postings including Hong Kong and Gibraltar, where she established a nursery. They were blessed with two daughters and returned to Britain, where her husband died in 1976.

Caterham has spent the past 50 years living in Surrey and is a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother to five. "I've been all over the world and I've ended up in this lovely home, where everyone is falling over themselves for me, giving me everything I want," she gushed.

Over her long life, she witnessed historic events such as the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, and World War II.

She has spent the past 50 years in Surrey and continued driving until the age of 97. Longevity runs in the family, with one sister, Gladys, reaching 104.

Today, Caterham is also among the oldest people to survive COVID-19, having contracted the virus in 2020 at the age of 110, according to Guinness World Records.

Mark McKinley, director of records at Guinness World Records, said, "Ethel never set out to be a record breaker. But we're hoping to meet her some time soon and present her with her certificate."

A spokesperson for her residence, Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home, also noted, "What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived. Your strength, spirit and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here's to celebrating your remarkable journey."

To date, the record for the oldest person ever is held by Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived to 122 years and 164 days, according to Guinness World Records.