Executive Summary
- Ethel Caterham, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday last Friday.
- Caterham was born in the United Kingdom on August 21, 1909, during the reign of King Edward VII.
- She was the seventh of eight children and has lived through more than a century of major historical changes.
- Asked about the secret to her longevity, Caterham attributes her long life to maintaining a “nonconfrontational” attitude, saying she avoids arguments while rarely compromising.
- “Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year,” Caterham said, highlighting experiences including stroking a llama and holding hands with the King.
- She celebrated her birthday surrounded by family and friends, expressing her hope to see what the next year brings.
- Caterham has outlived her husband by 50 years and has also survived both of her daughters.
- Today, she enjoys the company and care of three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
- Her life has included significant international travel. In her youth, she worked as a nanny for a British family living in India, giving her three years to explore the Indian subcontinent.
- During her time in India, she met her future husband, Norman Caterham, a major in the British Army.
- Caterham became the world’s oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who died at the age of 116.
- At 117, Caterham is now among the very few people in recorded history to have reached such an extraordinary age.
