Meet the Current Oldest Person: Ethel Caterham
On August 21, 2025, Ethel Caterham celebrated her 116th birthday, solidifying her status as the oldest verified living person in the world. Originally from Hampshire, England, Ethel now resides in a care home in Surrey. Her long life has seen her outlive her husband, whom she met in 1931, and both of her children. Despite these losses, she has maintained a resilient spirit and a quietly joyful demeanor.
Her longevity story gained significant media attention following a royal visit from King Charles III in September 2025, marking another memorable milestone in her life. Known for her agreeable nature, she once attributed her impressive lifespan to a simple philosophy: “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like”. Ethel's life offers a compelling look at how personal disposition and simple living can contribute to lasting health.
The Journey to Supercentenarian Status
Becoming a supercentenarian, or someone who lives to be 110 or older, is an extremely rare feat. The world of extreme longevity is carefully tracked by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group to validate and verify claims. The title of the world's oldest living person is a constantly shifting designation, as was seen with the death of Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at 117, which paved the way for Ethel Caterham to take the top spot.
Many factors are at play in these incredible lifespans, and researchers dedicate significant effort to understanding them. While individual anecdotes are fascinating, they form part of a broader scientific inquiry into what allows some individuals to defy typical aging patterns.
The Role of Genetics Versus Lifestyle
Numerous studies have sought to unravel the mysteries behind exceptional longevity. The consensus among researchers is that a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors is responsible, with some experts suggesting that lifestyle choices account for as much as 75% of one's lifespan.
- Genetic Advantage: Some individuals are simply born with a genetic predisposition to live longer. Certain gene variants are associated with better DNA repair mechanisms, and improved cardiovascular and immune system function, which can help ward off age-related diseases.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Influences: The remaining and more significant portion of longevity is attributed to modifiable factors. These include diet, exercise, stress management, and social connections.
Unlocking the Secrets of a Long Life
While genetics can provide a head start, supercentenarians often share common lifestyle traits that likely contribute to their advanced age. These patterns have been observed not only in individual cases but also in entire communities known as 'Blue Zones,' where a higher-than-average number of people live to 100 and beyond.
- Mindful Diet: Many long-lived people eat a diet rich in plant-based foods, fresh vegetables, fruits, and legumes, and practice moderate consumption of meat and alcohol. This eating pattern provides a high intake of antioxidants and vital nutrients that protect cells from damage. Avoiding excessive calories and processed foods is a recurring theme.
- Constant Movement: Regular physical activity, often in the form of low-intensity, daily tasks like walking, gardening, or housework, is a consistent habit among centenarians. This keeps the body strong, mobile, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. They don’t necessarily engage in intense, strenuous exercise, but rather integrate movement naturally into their daily routines.
- Positive Outlook and Stress Management: Managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial. Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process. Many centenarians have been noted for their calm and cheerful dispositions, a trait echoed by Ethel Caterham herself.
- Strong Social Bonds: Having a strong sense of community and close social connections is a powerful indicator of longevity. Frequent social activity and a supportive network have been linked to significantly longer survival rates.
- Quality Sleep: Adequate and restful sleep is vital for cellular repair and overall well-being. Consistently getting enough sleep can lower the risk of chronic health problems associated with aging.
The Longest-Lived People on Record
To provide perspective on Ethel Caterham's place in history, it is useful to compare her with the longest-lived people ever, as verified by organizations like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). The record for the longest-lived human ever recorded is held by a Frenchwoman who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
| Feature | Ethel Caterham | Jeanne Calment | Jiroemon Kimura |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Oldest living person (as of Sep 2025) | Oldest person ever (deceased) | Oldest man ever (deceased) |
| Age | 116 years, 33 days (as of Sep 23, 2025) | 122 years, 164 days | 116 years, 54 days |
| Country | United Kingdom | France | Japan |
| Notable Fact | Received a royal visit from King Charles III. | Met artist Vincent Van Gogh. | Last living man born in the 19th century. |
Conclusion: Lessons from the Oldest Among Us
While most people will not reach the extraordinary age of 116, the stories of supercentenarians like Ethel Caterham provide valuable lessons for healthy aging. The path to a long and healthy life is not paved with a single secret but with a combination of healthy habits, a positive mindset, strong social connections, and the luck of good genetics. By focusing on areas within our control—such as diet, exercise, and stress management—we can all improve our quality of life and potentially extend our own healthy lifespans.
For more in-depth research on extreme longevity and the study of supercentenarians, you can explore the work of the Gerontology Research Group.
