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.

Source: AP News – 115-year-old British woman, now the world’s oldest, gives her recipe to long life

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A soccer-loving nun from Brazil has recently claimed the title of the world’s oldest living person at nearly 117 years old, following the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka in December.

Sister Inah Canabarro, who was once considered too frail to survive childhood, defied the odds. Her 84-year-old nephew, Cleber Canabarro, shared with The Associated Press that Sister Inah was so thin growing up that many believed she wouldn’t make it. Yet, she has now surpassed 116 years, earning her place in history.

LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks supercentenarians worldwide, confirmed the milestone. They recently declared Sister Inah the oldest living person with validated early life records. A video from the organization in February showed the cheerful nun laughing, sharing miniature paintings of wildflowers she once created, and reciting the Hail Mary prayer.

When asked about the secret to her remarkable longevity, Sister Inah credits her deep Catholic faith. In a message to visitors at her retirement home in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, she shared her positive outlook on life: “I’m young, pretty, and friendly — all very good qualities that you have too.”

Her nephew, who visits her every Saturday, says she is particularly joyful when hearing his voice, especially after two hospitalizations left her weak and with difficulty speaking.

Sister Inah was born on June 8, 1908, into a large family in southern Brazil. While her birth was officially recorded two weeks later, her nephew insists that she was actually born on May 27. Her great-grandfather was a renowned Brazilian general who played a key role in the country’s post-independence struggles.

As a teenager, Sister Inah began her religious life and worked in Montevideo, Uruguay, for two years before moving to Rio de Janeiro and later settling in Rio Grande do Sul. A lifelong educator, she taught many students, including Gen. João Figueiredo, Brazil’s last military dictator (1964-1985). She was also a beloved figure who established two marching bands for schools near the border between Uruguay and Brazil.

Sister Inah received a special honor on her 110th birthday when Pope Francis recognized her. She holds the title of the second-oldest documented nun, after Lucile Randon, who passed away in 2023 at 118 years old.

Known for her lifelong support of soccer, she is celebrated annually by her local team, Inter, who commemorates the birthday of its oldest fan. Her room is adorned with red and white gifts from the club, and she remains an iconic figure for its supporters. In a video celebrating her 116th birthday, she proudly declared, “White or black, rich or poor, whoever you are, Inter is the team of the people.”

After the passing of Tomiko Itooka, Sister Inah now holds the title of the world’s oldest living person. She is also ranked as the 20th-oldest person ever documented, following Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 122.

Sister Inah’s story continues to inspire, proving that resilience, faith, and joy can lead to an extraordinary and fulfilling life.

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Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person as recognized by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116. The news was confirmed by an official from Ashiya city in Japan on Saturday. Itooka died on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, located in Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.

Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, Itooka was known for her sprightly spirit and love of life. She was particularly fond of bananas and Calpis, a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink. Last year, following the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, Itooka was recognized as the world’s oldest person by the Gerontology Research Group.

Upon learning of her ranking as the world’s oldest supercentenarian, Itooka simply expressed gratitude with a humble “Thank you.”

A Life Full of Achievements and Love

Throughout her life, Itooka demonstrated a strong sense of adventure and vitality. In high school, she was an avid volleyball player, and she even scaled the 3,067-meter (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake twice.

She married at the age of 20 and went on to have two daughters and two sons. During World War II, Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory. After her husband’s death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara, where she continued to lead an active and fulfilling life.

At the age of 116, Itooka celebrated her birthday with flowers, a cake, and a heartfelt card from the mayor. Despite her status as the world’s oldest person, she maintained a humble, gracious demeanor.

A Loving Family and Legacy

Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, honoring her remarkable life.

Following her passing, the title of the world’s oldest person has now passed to 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Itooka, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

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