Earlier this year, Ethel Caterham created history by officially being recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person at the remarkable age of 116. Her record as the oldest living person in the world was confirmed after the passing of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro in 2025. Caterham was born on August 21, 1909, in Hampshire, England and by living over 100 years, she has witnessed the world change drastically. The fact that she has lived over a century is what brings her much fame and awe, and people are often curious to know what’s the secret of her longevity. If you are too, then read on to know more about her remarkably long life and what keeps her going.The world’s oldest living woman’s secret to a long lifeWhen asked about her secret to longevity, Ethel Caterham’s answer is surprisingly simple yet profound. Unlike most centenarians who credit strict diets or daily workouts for their long life, Caterham believes that her secret lies in maintaining peace of mind. “Never argue with anyone. I listen, and I do what I like,” she told the Associated Press on being asked about the secret to her long life.
Her simple yet profound philosophy highlights a powerful truth — that one’s emotional well-being is just as important as physical health through diet and exercise. Several studies have shown the ill effects of chronic stress on one’s health– from accelerated ageing to the onset of lifestyle diseases. For instance, a 2021 Yale study shows that chronic stress accelerates one’s biological ageing measured by an “epigenetic clock,” thus increasing risks of heart disease, diabetes, and reducing lifespan. On the contrary, it was noted that emotional regulation can mitigate the ill effects of stress.This shows that Caterham’s attitude of staying calm in chaos and listening to her heart may have not only made her happier in life, but also prevented her from such stresses. She believes in living with moderation, open-mindedness, and a willingness to adapt — qualities that have clearly stood the test of time and contributed to her longevity. Ethel Caterham’s remarkable lifeCaterham’s story is not just about longevity — it’s also about adventure and courage. At just 18, she left her quiet Hampshire village in 1927 and travelled to India to work as a nanny — an extraordinary move for a young woman of her time. After three years abroad, she returned to England and married Norman Caterham, a British Army major. Their life together took them to Hong Kong and Gibraltar, where Ethel opened a nursery to teach English and crafts to local children. Eventually, the couple settled back in the UK and had two daughters, Gem and Anne, both of whom have now passed away. Ethel Caterham’s husband, Norman, also died in 1976, but her legacy continued through her family — she is now a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother to five!And interestingly, longevity seems to run in her family! Her sister, Gladys Babilas, lived to be 104. Watching the world change in the past 116 yearsCaterham’s life is nothing short of a living history book. Over the decades, she has lived through two world wars, seen six British monarchs ascend the throne, and observed the leadership of 27 prime ministers (and counting). From handwritten letters to smartphones to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), she has witnessed how the world has evolved— socially, politically, and technologically. When she was 111 years old, she survived the COVID-19 pandemic, which was life-threatening for many. Today, as she lives in a care home in Surrey, her life is an inspiration to live with grace and on one’s own terms.In a world where everyone is busy chasing deadlines or competing with each other, Caterham’s wise life mantra has stood the test of time: Inner peace and happiness may just be the real secrets to a long life.
