World's Oldest Living Woman, 116, Reveals Her Surprising Secret To A Long And Full Life

The woman recognized as the oldest living person has opened up about what she believes helped her reach such an extraordinary age.

Ethel Caterham, who entered the world in 1909, marked her 116th birthday in 2025. When she turned 115 the year before, she joked that she “didn't know why there was all the fuss,” keeping the same calm attitude she’s had for decades.

During that celebration, she even received a personal letter from King Charles, who praised her for reaching a “truly remarkable milestone” and shared his “warmest good wishes.”

Earlier this year, following the passing of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Ethel, who now lives in a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, officially became the oldest person alive.

The title has been confirmed by Guinness World Records and by LongeviQuest, a global database that documents the ages of verified supercentenarians around the world.

With a life that has stretched across more than a century, people naturally want to know her secret — and Ethel has shared it in her own simple words.

Ethel is 116 years old Hallmark Care Homes

She revealed that her key to a long life is “never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” a surprisingly straightforward approach that seems to have served her well.

Ethel is not only the oldest living person, but also among the oldest people ever recorded to survive a Covid-19 infection.

Back in 2020, during the first months of the pandemic, she contracted the virus — a time when elderly people faced significant risk — yet she recovered and continued on to reach an age very few have ever seen.

Her recovery at age 110 amazed many, and her life since then has only added to her list of incredible milestones.

Mark McKinley, director of records at Guinness World Records, spoke to the BBC about the organization’s plans to recognize Ethel in person.

He said: "Ethel never set out to be a record breaker. But we're hoping to meet her some time soon and present her with her certificate."

Ethel was born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, and later grew up in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second youngest of eight siblings.

Ethel was three years old when the Titanic sank Ralph White/Getty

Her age also makes her the final surviving person to have lived during the reign of Edward VII, Queen Victoria’s eldest son, who died in 1910.

At 18, she worked as an au pair for a family in India, an experience that shaped her early adult years.

She later married Norman Caterham at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933 and went on to have three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Longevity also seems to run in Ethel’s family. Her sister, Gladys, lived to the age of 104, adding another impressive chapter to their family history.

Across her lifetime, Ethel has witnessed events that reshaped the world — including the sinking of the Titanic, both world wars, the first time humans walked on the Moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the creation of the internet, the rise of smartphones, and even the launch of TikTok.

A spokesperson for Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home, where Ethel now lives, said: "What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived."

"Your strength, spirit and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here's to celebrating your remarkable journey."