Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21, 2026, at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey. Born in 1909, she has lived through two World Wars, six British monarchs, and the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first verified Briton to reach 117 years old.
A Life of Adventure and Resilience
Ethel Caterham's life has been a testament to her resilience and adventurous spirit. At 18, she traveled alone to India, where she worked as an au pair for a British military family. This journey, which took about three weeks, marked the beginning of her life's many travels. She eventually returned to Britain and met her future husband, Norman Caterham, at a dinner party in 1931.
A Life of Purpose and Hobbies
Rather than just following her husband around during their years abroad, Ethel Caterham found a meaningful and purposeful act – establishing a nursery for British and local children in Hong Kong. She taught English, games, and crafts to the children, showing her dedication to her work. In her later years, she continued to keep busy, learning to drive after becoming a widow and continuing to drive until she was 97. She also remained interested in contract bridge well into her centenarian years.
Overcoming Loss and Adversity
Living to such an extraordinary age has also meant experiencing losses that most people never have to contemplate. Ethel Caterham outlived her husband and both daughters. Her daughter Gem died in the early 2000s, while Anne died in February 2020 at 82. The year 2020 brought another challenge, one that brought the entire world to a standstill – at 110 years old, Caterham contracted COVID-19 and survived, making her one of the oldest known people to recover from the disease.
A Secret to Longevity
When asked about the secret to her longevity, Ethel Caterham said, "I don't argue with people, I listen, I do what I like, and I try to maintain a positive attitude." Her statement is scientifically accurate – frequent or intense anger can trigger stress responses that affect the cardiovascular system and contribute to long-term health problems. She has also encouraged people to say yes to opportunities because you never know where they might lead, while keeping things in moderation.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Today, Ethel Caterham lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, where the garden has been renamed "Ethel's Garden" in her honour. She enjoys sitting outside listening to the birds and spending time with family and friends. At 117, she is still collecting new experiences, and her story is an inspiration to many. As she looks forward to the next year, her legacy continues to grow, reminding us all of the importance of living life to the fullest.
Source: Pulse.ng
