'World's Oldest Virgin' Explains Why She Chose Celibacy For 108 Years

Reaching the age of 100 is already an incredible milestone, but living more than a century without ever having sex is something that surprises just about everyone. Clara Meadmore did exactly that.

She passed away in 2011 at the impressive age of 108. During her long life, she lived across several countries — the UK, New Zealand, and Canada — and made the most of her independence every step of the way.

In her twenties, Clara worked as a housekeeper and secretary, holding down steady jobs at a time when it wasn’t easy for women to be self-sufficient. Later, she played her part in World War II, traveling to Egypt to serve in the army and contribute to Britain’s efforts abroad.

Eventually, Clara settled in Cornwall during the 1960s, where she lived on her own terms for decades. It wasn’t until she turned 104 that she finally moved into a nursing home — a decision that reflected her fiercely independent nature.

Unsurprisingly, many people were curious about her secrets to such a long and healthy life. Reporters and friends alike would often ask her what she thought kept her going strong for so many years.

Speaking on her 105th birthday in 2008, Clara said her longevity came down to simple pleasures — regular walking, the occasional glass of wine, and, most notably, a lifelong choice to remain celibate. She believed that staying out of romantic entanglements had spared her plenty of stress and drama.

So what made her decide to stay single and avoid sex altogether?

"I grew up in an era where little girls were to be seen and not heard, so I had to stand up for myself and earn a living," she explained to Mail Online, reflecting on how the expectations placed on young women in her generation shaped her attitude toward relationships and independence.

Clara Meadmore vowed never to marry at the age of just 12 SWNS/ Adam Gerrard

"I've had lots of platonic friendships with men but never felt the need to go further," Clara continued, emphasizing that companionship didn’t have to involve romance. She was content with close friendships and didn’t feel any pressure to seek out more.

Over the years, some people asked whether Clara might have been gay, but she was very clear that this wasn’t the case.

"People have asked me whether I am homosexual and the answer is no. I have just never been interested in sex," she told The Guardian, making it clear that her disinterest in sex had nothing to do with her orientation — it was simply her personal choice.

"I imagine there is a lot of hassle involved and I have always been busy doing other things."

Her attitude toward intimacy was one of practicality and peace. Clara’s best friend, Josie, once shared that Clara didn’t act her age at all, even well into her hundreds. On her 105th birthday, Josie spoke fondly of her energy and spirit.

Josie remarked: "You're as young as you feel. Clara is by no means 105 in many ways. Maybe never having a man under her feet has kept her young all these years."

That statement alone perfectly summed up Clara’s approach to life — simple, independent, and full of quiet strength. It’s safe to say Josie was spot on with her observation.

Clara herself said that her decision came early in life. At just 12 years old, she knew she wasn’t interested in marriage or romance, and she never once changed her mind about it.

Amazingly, Clara lived to the ripe old age of 108 SWNS/ Adam Gerrard

In earlier interviews, she reflected on how much times had changed and said: "Everything seems so fast these days. I don't know a lot about young people or the way they do things. I'm sure its very different."

"I made my mind up at the age of 12 never to marry and I've not gone back on that."

"[...] People have their own views on sex, but I was never interested in it. I just never met anyone I wanted to marry, and I've always been happy alone."