Ethel Caterham: The Current Oldest Person Still Alive
Ethel Caterham, a resident of Surrey, England, currently holds the title of the world's oldest living person. Born in Hampshire in 1909, she became the record holder in April 2025, following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas. On August 21, 2025, she celebrated her 116th birthday. Caterham is known for her quiet demeanor and has attributed her longevity partly to a stress-free life and a positive mental attitude, stating, "Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like".
Caterham's long life includes a variety of remarkable experiences. As a young woman, she spent three years in British India. She later married her husband, Lt. Col Norman Caterham, and lived in locations like Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where she founded a nursery. She drove a car until she was 97 and has outlived both of her children. Her family has noted her agreeable and easygoing nature as a key to her longevity.
The verification of supercentenarian claims
Verifying the age of supercentenarians—individuals aged 110 or older—is a rigorous and often complex process. Due to the rarity of achieving such an advanced age, verification bodies like the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and Guinness World Records require extensive documentation. The process is designed to prevent fraudulent or mistaken claims, which are surprisingly common.
The verification typically requires:
- One early-life document: This is often a birth certificate or an early census record. For individuals born before standardized record-keeping, older documents are scrutinized to ensure authenticity.
- Mid-life and late-life documents: Researchers cross-reference records from different periods of the person's life, such as marriage licenses, military records, and social security documentation, to build a comprehensive timeline.
- Interviews and testimony: Information from the individual and their family members is cross-checked against historical records.
This meticulous process ensures that the records, such as Ethel Caterham's, are well-documented and independently confirmed.
Notable record holders throughout history
While Ethel Caterham is the oldest living person, she is not the oldest person ever recorded. That title belongs to the French supercentenarian Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. Calment's case has faced some scrutiny, but the original validating team has stood by their judgment. Other historical figures like Jiroemon Kimura, the oldest verified man, and Kane Tanaka, another recent record holder, have also left their mark on the history of longevity.
What can we learn from supercentenarians?
Researchers who study supercentenarians aim to understand the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environment that contributes to extreme longevity. Studies, like the New England Centenarian Study, have revealed some interesting commonalities:
- Genetics play a major role, but they are not the sole determinant. Many supercentenarians have protective genetic variants.
- Lifestyle choices, such as diet and physical activity, are also important. Many long-lived individuals remain active and eat nutrient-rich diets.
- Social and psychological factors are critical. Resilience, a positive attitude, and strong social ties are frequently observed traits.
- Disease resistance: Many supercentenarians seem to escape or delay age-related diseases until very late in life.
Comparison of Oldest Living Person vs. Oldest Person Ever
| Feature | Oldest Living Person (Ethel Caterham) | Oldest Person Ever (Jeanne Calment) |
|---|---|---|
| Record Status | Current holder, age is always increasing until death. | Deceased; holds the all-time record with a fixed, verified lifespan. |
| Birth Date | August 21, 1909. | February 21, 1875. |
| Age at Time of Article (Sept 28, 2025) | 116 years, 38 days. | N/A (deceased). |
| Age at Death | N/A (still living). | 122 years, 164 days. |
| Validation | Verified by Guinness World Records and the Gerontology Research Group. | Verified by demographers in 1997, although her age has been questioned by some researchers. |
Conclusion
While the identity of the world's oldest living person constantly changes, the meticulous work of organizations like the Gerontology Research Group provides a clear picture at any given time. As of late September 2025, that person is Ethel Caterham of the UK, a testament to the remarkable potential of human longevity. The study of supercentenarians like her offers invaluable insights into the complex factors that allow a few individuals to live well beyond the average lifespan, combining genetics, lifestyle, and a resilient mindset. These living legends not only hold records but also push the boundaries of what is thought to be possible for the human lifespan.
