Meet the World's Oldest Person: Ethel Caterham
Ethel Caterham, at 116 years old, is currently the world's oldest living person. Residing in Surrey, England, she took on this title in April 2025 following the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas. Her age has been officially validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and recognized by Guinness World Records. Born in 1909, Caterham has a rich history, having lived through significant global events.
Originally from Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham was one of eight siblings. Her life included periods spent in British India, Gibraltar, and Hong Kong alongside her late husband, Lt. Col. Norman Caterham. Known for her private nature, she has preferred family celebrations over media attention. Her agreeable personality is noted by her family as a potential contributor to her longevity, with her often citing her secret as "never argu[ing] with anyone".
The Supercentenarian Validation Process
Confirming the age of a supercentenarian requires a thorough process by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group to ensure accuracy, given the potential for exaggerated claims.
The verification involves several crucial steps:
- Early-Life Documents: Essential documents such as birth or baptismal certificates and early census records are required to establish the date of birth.
- Mid-Life Documentation: Records like marriage licenses, military service papers, or employment records are used to track the individual's life journey.
- Late-Life Corroboration: Documents from later in life, including Social Security information or care home records, help confirm identity over time.
- Family Reconstitution: Comparing the individual's life events with those of their relatives helps ensure consistency.
- Independent Review: Multiple sources are used to corroborate facts, with increased scrutiny for more extraordinary age claims.
This meticulous approach is vital for the accuracy of records maintained by organizations like the GRG and Guinness World Records, especially considering past controversies surrounding longevity claims.
Predecessors to Ethel Caterham
Ethel Caterham is the latest in a line of remarkable supercentenarians. A table showing former oldest living persons can be found on {Link: ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/worlds-oldest-living-person-celebrates-116th-birthday/story?id=124810626}.
The Science of Extreme Longevity
Gerontology, the study of aging, includes a focus on supercentenarians to understand factors contributing to extreme longevity. Both genetics and lifestyle play roles. Studies, such as one on the late María Branyas Morera, highlight the interaction of strong genetics and a healthy lifestyle. Common factors among long-lived individuals often include maintaining a positive outlook, physical activity, and strong social connections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, who is currently the oldest living person in the world is Ethel Caterham. At 116, she represents an extraordinary level of longevity, verified through a rigorous process by expert organizations. While this title is temporary, the lives of supercentenarians provide valuable data for aging research and offer compelling historical perspectives. For more information on verifying supercentenarians, see {Link: ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/worlds-oldest-living-person-celebrates-116th-birthday/story?id=124810626}.
