The Current Oldest Living Person and Her Residence
Ethel Caterham, born on August 21, 1909, is the world's oldest living person and resides in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, England. Her residency was widely publicized following the death of the previous record holder, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, in April 2025. This made Caterham, a British native, the world's most senior citizen, with her age confirmed by reputable organizations like Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest. She celebrated her 116th birthday surrounded by family, a testament to her longevity and the care she receives.
Life of a Supercentenarian: Ethel Caterham's Story
Ethel Caterham's life has spanned more than a century of immense historical change. Her early life was spent in Hampshire and Wiltshire, before traveling extensively with her husband, a lieutenant colonel in the British army. This included stints in locations like Hong Kong and Gibraltar. Her adventurous and adaptable life is believed to have contributed to her remarkable resilience and longevity. Even after outliving her husband, two children, and several siblings, she has maintained a positive and calm approach to life.
Some of the key milestones in Ethel Caterham's life include:
- Born: August 21, 1909.
- Early Career: Worked as an au pair in India.
- Travels: Lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar with her military husband.
- Late Adulthood: Widowed in 1976.
- Recent Years: Moved to a care home in Surrey and became the oldest living person in 2025.
Factors Contributing to Longevity
While genetics undoubtedly play a role in extreme longevity, experts and those close to supercentenarians often cite lifestyle factors as well. These include diet, social connections, and mental attitude. For Caterham, her calm demeanor and avoidance of arguments are noted contributors. A comparison of Ethel Caterham's reported lifestyle factors with those of another famously long-lived individual, Maria Branyas Morera, provides interesting context on longevity habits.
Lifestyle Comparison: Caterham vs. Morera
| Lifestyle Factor | Ethel Caterham | Maria Branyas Morera (deceased) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Not explicitly detailed, but generally stress-free. | Mediterranean diet, notably included three daily servings of plain yogurt. |
| Exercise | Known to have lived an active life; drove until nearly 100. | Practiced regular, moderate exercise, including daily walks. |
| Mental State | Described as calm and agreeable, preferring not to argue. | Reported an orderly, pleasant, and low-stress lifestyle. |
| Social Life | Enjoys a quiet day with family; good social connections. | Strong social network cited as a key factor in her long life. |
| Vices | Unknown specifics, but described as living moderately. | Never smoked or drank alcohol. |
The Life of a Record Holder
Becoming the world's oldest living person thrusts an individual into the public eye, but for many supercentenarians, a quiet life is preferred. Caterham has notably chosen not to give interviews, prioritizing her privacy and time with family. This desire for a serene life underscores that even in the face of a historic achievement, personal peace remains paramount. The story of individuals like Ethel Caterham, verified by institutions dedicated to longevity research such as the Gerontology Research Group, provides invaluable data for understanding the limits of human lifespan.
The Quest for Longevity
Beyond the individual story of Ethel Caterham, the interest in her age reflects a broader global fascination with longevity. Scientists study supercentenarians to better understand the genetic and environmental factors that allow humans to live longer, healthier lives. While the longest-verified human lifespan remains with Jeanne Calment of France (who lived to 122), individuals who reach 116 years are part of an extremely rare and valuable cohort for scientific study. Each story, including Ethel Caterham's, provides unique insight into what contributes to a life well-lived and exceptionally long.
Conclusion
The question, "Where does the 116 year old woman live?" leads to the British supercentenarian Ethel Caterham, who resides in a care home in Surrey, England. Her journey spans more than a century of world history, and she holds the distinction of being the world's oldest living person as of September 2025. While genetics and a positive attitude are believed to have played a part in her long life, her story is a reminder of the quiet, personal experiences that shape a long and remarkable human journey. She stands as a living historical figure, embodying decades of change and resilience while enjoying her golden years in privacy with family.
