Brit woman, 115, becomes world's oldest person - and reveals secret to long life
Ethel Caterham, who lives in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, has claimed the world title after the death of a 116-year-old Brazilian nun - but admits she "didn't know why there was all the fuss"
A British woman has become the world's oldest person at the age of 115 - and has revealed the stunning secret to her long life. Ethel Caterham, who lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, claimed the world title after the death of 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.
She celebrated her 115th birthday last August with a Frank Sinatra tribute act at her care home and received a letter from the King congratulating her on a "truly remarkable milestone". King Charles issued his "warmest good wishes" and "hoped that Ethel enjoys her incredibly special day". Ethel admitted she "didn't know why there was all the fuss".
After celebrating her birthday, Ms Caterham revealed the secret to her long life which was "never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like".
Ms Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, and has been widowed since her husband Norman died in 1976. Their two daughters, Gem and Anne, have also sadly passed away. Ms Caterham was born in Hampshire and was raised in nearby Tidworth in Wiltshire.
She was the second youngest of eight children. She married her husband Norman in 1933 and then moved with him to Gibraltar after Mr Caterham became a lieutenant colonel in the army. The couple were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar.
In Hong Kong, Ms Caterham set up a nursery. The couple eventually moved back to the UK to raise their children. She said in 2022: 'Family's the most important thing in life.'
She has spent the last 50 years living in Surrey. Grand-daughter Alex Peeters, 54, told The Sun: 'Having outlived my mum and my auntie, it's incredible, really. She did yoga as a young woman, loved a sherry and played bridge until her 90s.'
A spokesperson for Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home, where Ms Caterham is a resident, said: "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."
Remarkably, she has lived through World War One, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, and World War Two.
She was also one of the oldest people to survive Covid after contracting it at the age of 110, the Guinness World Records said. Mark McKinley, director of records at Guinness World Records, told the BBC: "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."
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