Elderly British resident Ethel Caterham reaches the age of 115, making her the oldest individual globally.
Article:
Meet Ethel Caterham, the new oldest person on Earth at the ripe age of 115, according to Guinness World Records. Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel is no stranger to adventure, resilience, and longevity.
Originally the second-youngest of eight children, Ethel's eldest brother Norman met his untimely end in World War I. Sadly, her eldest sister Gladys followed suit, passing away at the age of 104 in 2002.
At 18, Ethel ventured to India to work as a nanny for a British military family. She embarked on a journey by sea, reaching India in 1927. Ethel loved immersing herself in the rich cultural blend of British and Indian traditions, particularly Tiffin and Tea.
Upon her return to the UK, Ethel met Major Norman Caterham at a dinner party. They wed in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral and together, they lived in various locations, including Harnham, Hong Kong, and Gibraltar. During their time overseas, Ethel opened a nursery in Hong Kong, where she taught English, crafts, and games to local and British children.
The couple returned to the UK and settled in Surrey, where they had two daughters named Gem and Anne. With the passage of time, both her daughters, as well as her husband Norman, are no longer with us.
In her later years, Ethel has demonstrated incredible resilience, drivingwell into her 90s. She has lived through numerous historic milestones, including the sinking of the Titanic, both World Wars, the Great Depression, and even the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Ethel's age and title were officially confirmed by LongeviQuest and Guinness World Records following the death of the previous record holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was a 116-year-old nun from Brazil.
Popularly known as Ethel's Garden at her care home in Surrey, Ethel continues to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Sitting in the garden brings her immense joy, and her bubbly personality keeps her spirits high.
Ethel's life story is a testament to her adventurous spirit, her ability to adapt to different cultures, and her remarkable longevity. Her achievements make her an inspiring figure in the face of adversity. If there's one thing we can learn from Ethel, it's to say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to—just as she has lived her life with positivity and enthusiasm.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, June 15). Ethel Caterham, the oldest person in the world, named new UK record. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/15/ethel-caterham-oldest-person-in-the-world-uk-record
[2] Sky News. (2025, June 15). Ethel Caterham: British woman named world's oldest person at age 115. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/ethel-caterham-british-woman-named-worlds-oldest-person-at-age-115-12441814
[3] BBC News. (2025, June 15). Ethel Caterham becomes oldest living person after death of Inah Canabarro Lucas. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61207852
[4] BBC News. (2025, June 16). Ethel Caterham: The oldest woman in the world tells her story. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61208327
[5] ITV News. (2025, June 16). The incredible life of Ethel Caterham, the oldest person in the world. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/2025-06-16/the-incredible-life-of-ethel-caterham-the-oldest-person-in-the-world/
[6] The Telegraph. (2025, June 16). Ethel Caterham: The incredible life story of the world’s oldest person. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/16/ethel-caterham-incredible-life-story-worlds-oldest-person/
- Ethel Caterham, at the age of 115, is now considered the oldest woman in the world, surpassing the previous record held by Inah Canabarro Lucas.
- Despite her advanced age, Ethel remains active in health-and-wellness activities, particularly enjoying time in her garden, a popular spot known as Ethel's Garden at her care home in Surrey.
- As science continues to uncover the mysteries of aging, Ethel's longevity adds to the growing understanding of women's health and the factors contributing to a long and healthy life.
- Ethel's life story, marked by adventure, resilience, and cultural immersion, serves as an inspiration for women around the world, especially during these challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic, reminding us all to seize opportunities and maintain a positive outlook on life.
