The Last Surviving Individual from the 1900s Decade
As of September 2025, Ethel Caterham, born on August 21, 1909, is the last known surviving person born during the 1900s decade and is also the oldest living person in the world. A British supercentenarian, her life spans a period of unprecedented change and offers a rare, direct link to the early 20th century. Her journey into the mid-2020s is an incredible feat of human longevity, especially considering she also survived a bout with COVID-19 at the age of 110.
In September 2025, Mrs. Caterham met with King Charles III, a moment that highlighted her unique historical perspective. Her family has noted her positive attitude as a possible key to her long life. She outlived both of her children and has witnessed global events from the First World War to the space age and the digital revolution.
For more detailed information on Mrs. Caterham's record-breaking longevity, readers can refer to her profile on the Gerontology Wiki, which tracks supercentenarian data: Last people born in 190x by country | Gerontology Wiki | Fandom.
The 1900s: A World in Transformation
The 1900s decade, from 1900 to 1909, was a period of significant progress and change. The world population increased from 1.60 to 1.75 billion, and major events shaped the course of history. The decade saw technological breakthroughs like the Wright brothers' first powered flight in 1903 and the first audio radio broadcasts. Popular culture was also taking shape, with the first feature films and iconic books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit being released. The global context was vastly different from today, with life expectancy significantly lower and healthcare still in its relative infancy.
Understanding Supercentenarians and Longevity
Supercentenarians are individuals who live to the age of 110 or older, a milestone achieved by very few. Research into their lives, known as gerontology, seeks to uncover the secrets behind their extraordinary lifespan. Scientists study a combination of factors:
- Genetics: Many supercentenarians appear to have a genetic predisposition for longevity, with a family history of long-lived relatives.
- Lifestyle: A healthy, moderate lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and social engagement, is often cited by these individuals.
- Resilience: Surviving major health events, like Ethel Caterham's recovery from COVID-19, shows exceptional biological resilience.
The Fading of a Generation
Ethel Caterham is the last remaining link to the 1900s decade, a fact highlighted by the recent passings of other remarkable supercentenarians born in that era. For example:
- Inah Canabarro Lucas (1908–2025): The Brazilian nun died in April 2025 at the age of 116. She was the world's oldest verified living person before Caterham.
- Elizabeth Francis (1909–2024): The last known American born in the 1900s decade, she passed away in October 2024 at age 115.
- Juan Vicente Pérez Mora (1909–2024): The last known surviving man from the 1900s decade passed away in April 2024 at age 114.
These recent deaths underscore the rarity of a living person from the 1900s decade and serve as a poignant reminder of time's passage.
A Century of Progress: Then vs. Now
The difference in life expectancy between the 1900s and today is stark, reflecting massive societal and medical advancements. The table below illustrates some key contrasts:
| Factor | Early 1900s | 2025 (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Life Expectancy (Global) | ~32 years (estimate) | ~73.3 years |
| Causes of Death | Infectious diseases (e.g., influenza, tuberculosis), poor sanitation | Chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer) |
| Major Medical Treatments | Limited antibiotics, rudimentary surgery, focus on quarantine | Sophisticated antibiotics, advanced surgery, vaccines, targeted therapies |
| Nutrition | Limited food preservation, less nutritional variety, widespread food insecurity | Accessible nutritional science, diverse food supply, food safety regulations |
| Work and Activity | Often more physically demanding labor with less emphasis on safety | Focus on ergonomic design, workplace safety, promotion of fitness |
| Elder Care | Primarily family-based and in-home; limited formal systems | Formalized senior care industry, nursing homes, assisted living facilities |
The Legacy of the 1900s Generation
The survival of individuals from the 1900s decade is a powerful symbol of resilience, progress, and the astonishing capacity of the human body. As the last members of this generation leave us, they take with them first-hand memories of an era that laid the foundation for our modern world. Their stories and continued presence remind us of our collective history and the incredible transformations that have occurred in just over a century. The focus on their longevity also inspires a greater interest in healthy aging practices and the science that continues to push the boundaries of the human lifespan.
Conclusion: A Living History
In conclusion, the question, "Is anyone from the 1900s decade still alive?" can, for now, be answered with a resounding yes, though the number of individuals has dwindled to just one known person. Ethel Caterham represents not only a triumph of individual vitality but also a profound link to a bygone era. Her story offers a poignant and fascinating window into the past and a hopeful look toward the future of human longevity.
