Meet the World's Oldest Living Person
As of September 2025, the officially validated oldest person on Earth is Ethel Caterham from the United Kingdom. Born on August 21, 1909, she has lived an astonishing 116 years. She earned this title following the passing of the previous record-holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil, in April 2025.
Ethel Caterham was born in Hampshire, England, during the reign of King Edward VII and has lived through two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the first moon landing, and the entire digital revolution. Residing in a care home in Surrey, she is known for her positive attitude and agreeable approach to life. Her long life is a subject of fascination, embodying a history that few can claim to have witnessed firsthand.
The Role of Age Validation
The title of 'oldest person' isn't just a claim; it's a scientifically verified fact. Organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records are the primary authorities for age validation. Their meticulous process involves examining multiple documents from a person's life—such as birth certificates, census records, and marriage certificates—to confirm their age beyond any doubt. This rigorous verification ensures the integrity of these incredible records. Less than 2% of claims to the age of 115 are ever validated, making Ethel Caterham's status exceptionally rare.
A Legacy of Longevity: Previous Record-Holders
The title of the world's oldest person is a torch passed from one remarkable individual to another. Before Ethel Caterham, the record was held by a succession of supercentenarians, each with a unique story.
- Inah Canabarro Lucas (1908-2025): A Brazilian nun who held the title until her passing at age 116.
- Maria Branyas Morera (1907-2024): A Spanish-American woman who was the world's oldest person for over a year. She attributed her longevity to "an orderly life that is socially very pleasant... a good life, without excesses."
- Lucile Randon (1904-2023): A French nun, also known as Sister André, who lived to be 118 years old. She was known for her wit and enjoyment of a daily glass of wine and some chocolate.
- Kane Tanaka (1903-2022): A Japanese woman who reached the age of 119. Her motto was to enjoy life, and she was known for her love of board games, calligraphy, and fizzy drinks.
These individuals, primarily women, highlight a consistent trend: women typically live longer than men on average, a fact that is overwhelmingly reflected in supercentenarian data.
Comparison of Longevity Records
To put these incredible lifespans into perspective, here is a comparison of the current record-holders with the all-time champions of longevity.
| Record Title | Name | Nationality | Age (at time of death or current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldest Person Living | Ethel Caterham | British | 116 years (living) |
| Oldest Man Living | João Marinho Neto | Brazilian | 112 years (living) |
| Oldest Person Ever (Verified) | Jeanne Calment | French | 122 years, 164 days |
| Oldest Man Ever (Verified) | Jiroemon Kimura | Japanese | 116 years, 54 days |
What are the Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life?
While genetics undoubtedly play a significant role in extreme longevity, researchers who study supercentenarians and the world's "Blue Zones" (regions with a high number of centenarians) have identified several common lifestyle factors. These are not guarantees, but they represent powerful correlations for healthy aging.
Diet and Nutrition
Most supercentenarians do not follow restrictive diets but tend to eat in moderation. Key dietary patterns include:
- Plant-Centric Meals: Many, particularly in Blue Zones, eat a diet that is 95% plant-based, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans.
- Moderate Calorie Intake: The Okinawan concept of hara hachi bu—eating until you are 80% full—is a common practice that helps prevent overeating.
- Limited Processed Foods: A diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods is a consistent theme. Ethel Caterham, for example, grew up eating food fresh from the garden.
Physical Activity
Supercentenarians often don't engage in intense gym workouts but incorporate consistent, low-intensity movement into their daily lives.
- Walking: Many centenarians walk daily as a primary form of exercise.
- Gardening: Activities like gardening provide physical exercise, time outdoors, and a sense of purpose.
- Natural Movement: Their lives are structured in ways that encourage movement without it being a formal chore.
Mindset and Social Connection
An individual's psychological and social well-being is just as important as their physical health.
- Positive Attitude: A low-stress, optimistic outlook is frequently cited by supercentenarians and their families as a key trait.
- Sense of Purpose: Having a reason to get up in the morning, known as ikigai in Japan, is crucial. This could be caring for family, volunteering, or pursuing a hobby.
- Strong Social Bonds: Maintaining close relationships with family and community provides a powerful support system that combats loneliness and stress.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Healthy Aging
The lives of Ethel Caterham and other supercentenarians offer more than just statistical marvels; they provide a glimpse into the potential of human longevity. While we may not all reach 116, their stories emphasize a consistent message: a long, healthy life is often built on a foundation of moderation, consistent movement, strong social ties, a positive mindset, and a nutritious diet. The journey to healthy aging is less about radical interventions and more about cultivating simple, sustainable habits over a lifetime.
