Ethel Caterham officially turns 117 years old today. As the world's oldest living person, she remains in a care home in Surrey, England, where she spent the day surrounded by family and friends. Her milestone makes her the first British person to ever reach this age and only the 13th human documented to hit the 117-year mark in history.
Her longevity story spans more than a century. Born in 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, she grew up in a rural household without running water or electricity. Her early adulthood included working as a nanny in India and raising a family in Hong Kong before returning to the United Kingdom in 1960. Researchers from LongeviQuest, who track supercentenarians, confirmed her record-breaking status through official documentation.
Beyond the records, Caterham maintains an active interest in the world around her. She recently spent time with King Charles III, an encounter she specifically requested. During their meeting, they shared stories about Buckingham Palace garden parties and her memories of British history. She retains a sharp memory of public figures and past events, often regaling those around her with stories from her youth.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Caterham keeps her advice simple. She avoids arguments and prefers to listen to others before deciding to do exactly as she likes. These days, she spends her time listening to bird songs, smelling garden flowers, and occasionally testing her knowledge with trivia games.
Her birthday celebration this year includes music from a Frank Sinatra impersonator, specifically her favorite track, Three Coins In A Fountain. Messages of support have arrived from across the globe, including greetings from the world’s oldest living man, Joao Marinho Neto of Brazil. Caterham says she is looking forward to the future and enjoys the quiet pace of her daily life in the care home.