Who is the oldest person in the world? Everything to know about the British woman who shares the secret to long life at 115

The Guinness World Records has identified Ethel Caterham as the world’s oldest person. As per LongeviQuest, her present age at the time of writing the story is 115 years and 255 days. Data shows that she is not only the oldest person alive but also the oldest woman alive.

As per the rankings, Caterham is the 35th oldest person ever and the 34th oldest woman globally. She was born on August 21, 1909. While celebrating her birthday last year, she said the secret to her long life was avoiding arguments with people.

The King sent her a letter on her birthday, writing that it was a remarkable milestone. He sent his warm wishes and expressed hope that Ethel had a wonderful time on her special day. He also shared that he was touched to hear about her interesting life story.

Ethel Caterham presently resides at the Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home. A representative from the institution told the BBC:

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

Guinness Records director, Mark McKinley, shared a statement:

“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.”

Previously, the title of the oldest person was held by sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, who died at 116 on April 30, 2025. In 2018, Canabarro Lucas was blessed by Pope Francis. Her nephew said that at the time of her death, she was not ill, but her body stopped functioning.

Ethel Caterham was also among the oldest persons to overcome COVID-19

According to Guinness World Records, Ethel Caterham was also among the oldest persons to recover from COVID-19, having caught the virus in 2020 when she was 110 years old. Here is what we know more about Caterham's life.

Although Ethel Caterham was born in Shipton Bellinger, she was brought up in Tidworth, Wiltshire. She got her first job at 18 and worked as a nanny for a British family residing in India. After her marriage to Norman Caterham, she lived in Hong Kong, where she opened a school for toddlers.

Ethel Caterham had two daughters, Gem and Anne, who are no more. Gem lost her life more than two decades ago, and Anne had cancer and she died in 2020. According to the Salisbury Journal, when asked about how to lead a long life, she said:

“Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation. Find a hobby you love and make friends through it.”

After Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, Caterham became one of two people to have lived under Edward VII and Charles III in the UK. The other person was Rose Eaton.

When Eaton died on October 7, 2022, Caterham became the oldest person in the UK born in the 1900s decade.

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