Ethel Caterham: The World's Oldest Verified Living Person
Ethel May Collins, born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, on August 21, 1909, became the world's oldest living person in April 2025. Her life has spanned over a century of significant global events and changes.
Life and Legacy of Ethel Caterham
Ethel worked as an au pair in British India and later married army lieutenant colonel Norman Caterham, with whom she lived in Hong Kong and Gibraltar before settling in Surrey, England. She outlived her husband and both of her children. Ethel attributes her longevity to a positive outlook and taking challenges in her stride. As of September 2025, she resides in a care home in Surrey, having recently celebrated her 116th birthday and met King Charles III. She is the oldest British person on record and the last known person born in the 1900s decade.
How Are Longevity Records Verified?
Verifying supercentenarian ages requires authenticated documents such as birth certificates and census records. Key organizations involved in this process include:
- Gerontology Research Group (GRG): An international group validating supercentenarian ages and maintaining rankings.
- Guinness World Records (GWR): Confirms the oldest living person for official recognition.
- LongeviQuest: Researches and validates the world's oldest individuals.
This verification process is essential to ensure the accuracy of extreme longevity claims.
Comparison of Notable Oldest People
Ethel Caterham is part of a history of individuals holding the title of oldest living person. Jeanne Calment of France holds the all-time record for the longest documented human lifespan. {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Caterham} provides a table comparing Ethel Caterham, Jeanne Calment, and João Marinho Neto, highlighting their birthdates, ages, countries, claims to fame, longevity habits, and occupations.
Common Habits of Supercentenarians
Research indicates some shared lifestyle factors among supercentenarians, including a positive attitude, social connections, healthy diet and exercise, adaptability, and genetic factors.
Conclusion: A Global Quest for Longevity
The identity of the oldest living person changes over time, highlighting the potential of human lifespan. As of September 2025, Ethel Caterham's life story is an inspiring example of resilience and a positive mindset. The lives of supercentenarians offer valuable insights for researchers studying longevity. While there's no single secret, common habits like maintaining a positive attitude, social connections, and moderate activity offer guidance for a longer, healthier life. The study of extreme longevity continues, informed by the experiences of individuals like Ethel Caterham, who bridge the past and future.
For further reading on the lives of supercentenarians, see the {Link: Gerontology Research Group's website https://www.grg-supercentenarians.org/world-supercentenarian-rankings-list/}, which maintains the most current list of verified individuals.
