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Ethel Caterham turns 117
The Guinness-recognised oldest living person celebrated her birthday with family and friends in Surrey.
What happened
Ethel Caterham, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her birthday with family and friends at her Surrey care home. Born in the United Kingdom, she became the titleholder after the previous holder died. She has lived through two world wars and recovered from Covid.
Numbers
- 117Caterham’s age on her birthday
- 110Age when she had Covid
- 122 years, 164 daysLongest verified lifespan on record — Held by Jeanne Calment
Questions
- How did her early life unfold?
- As a teenager, she worked for a military family in India, later lived in Hong Kong and opened a nursery school.
- What explanation has she offered for longevity?
- She previously linked her longevity to avoiding arguments: listening to others while keeping the freedom to do what she likes.
- How does she compare with history’s record?
- Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment remains the longest-lived verified person in history, a record Caterham has not yet reached herself.
- What did she recall to King Charles?
- During their meeting last September, Caterham recalled watching his investiture as Prince of Wales and told him girls admired him.
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The catch
Coverage does not independently verify longevity records or describe Caterham’s current health beyond the celebration.