# Ethel Caterham longevity milestone

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ethel-caterham-longevity-milestone
> Updated: 2026-08-31T22:30:24.000Z. Sources: 107. Developments: 3.

Ethel Caterham, recognized as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21 in Lightwater, Surrey, England. Born in Hampshire in 1909, her longevity has been officially certified by Guinness World Records and LongeviQuest.

She assumed the title of the world’s oldest person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was 116. Caterham’s life has spanned significant historical eras, including the Great Depression, both World Wars, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reigns of multiple British monarchs. Her personal history includes working as an au pair and nanny in India, where she met her late husband, Norman, and running a kindergarten in Hong Kong. She has also previously met King Charles III.

Regarding her longevity, Caterham attributes her long life to maintaining a positive attitude, staying active, and avoiding conflict. In a statement to ABC News, she noted that she avoids arguments, though she maintains that she ‘rarely compromises her views to keep the peace.’ She has shared advice such as to ‘never argue with anyone,’ instead choosing to listen and then do what she wants, while staying engaged through activities like playing bridge. She is currently supported by her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Ethel Caterham becomes the world's oldest person at 117

Ethel Caterham has been recognized as the world's oldest living person at age 117, following the passing of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethel-caterham-becomes-the-worlds-oldest-person-at-117

### 2026-08-23: Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday as world's oldest person

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday in Surrey, UK, marking a life that has spanned both World Wars and multiple British monarchs.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethel-caterham-celebrates-117th-birthday-as-worlds-oldest-person-3

### 2026-08-20: Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday as world's oldest person

Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday in Surrey, England, marking a life that spanned two World Wars and multiple historical eras.

100 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethel-caterham-celebrates-117th-birthday-as-worlds-oldest-person

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Cite as: Ethel Caterham longevity milestone. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ethel-caterham-longevity-milestone