World’s Oldest Person at 115 Shares Her Secret to a Long Life

LONDON  — At 115 years old, Ethel Caterham has officially earned the title of the world’s oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group. With a life spanning over a century, Caterham attributes her remarkable longevity to a simple yet powerful philosophy: never argue.

Speaking from her nursing home in Surrey, located southwest of London, Caterham shared the key to her long life. “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she explained with a smile, reflecting on the calm and balanced approach that has shaped her life.

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, a small village in southern England, Caterham lived through some of the most transformative moments in history, including World War I and the roaring 1920s. She was the second youngest of eight siblings and has witnessed the world evolve over the course of more than a century.

Travel has always been at the heart of Caterham’s life. In 1927, at just 18 years old, she ventured to India to work as a nanny for a British family. She spent three years there, immersing herself in a new culture before returning to England. It was clear from the start that her adventurous spirit would shape much of her journey.

In 1931, Caterham met Norman, a major in the British army, at a dinner party. The two quickly fell in love and went on to live in various countries, including Hong Kong and Gibraltar, as Norman’s military career took them around the world. Together, they had two daughters and raised their family in the U.K. Norman passed away in 1976, but Caterham’s memories of their time together remain a cherished part of her story.

As the world’s oldest living person, Caterham’s longevity is a testament to a life well-lived, filled with love, adventure, and a calm approach to the ups and downs of life. Her story is an inspiration to all, proving that sometimes, the simplest of secrets can lead to the longest and happiest of lives.