World’s Oldest Person Celebrates Her 117th Birthday
Most of us would consider meeting a king a pretty memorable life event. At 117, Ethel Caterham can add that to a list that already spans more than a century.
The world’s oldest person celebrated her 117th birthday on August 21 with friends and family in Surrey, England. In doing so, she also became the first British person ever to reach 117. And she doesn't seem particularly interested in slowing down.
“Even at 117, I've had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!” Ethel said in a birthday message shared with ABC News. She added that she was looking forward to seeing what the next year brings.
Saying Yes to Adventure for Nearly a Century
Ethel was born on Aug. 21, 1909, and was the second youngest of eight children. At just 18, she decided she wanted an adventure, boarded a ship by herself, and spent three weeks traveling to India, where she worked as a nanny for a British family.
A few years later, she met her future husband, Norman Caterham, who was serving in the British Army. They married at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933 and eventually moved to Hong Kong, where Ethel started a nursery for local and British children.
Later, the couple settled in Surrey and had two daughters, Gem and Anne. Norman died in 1976, and Ethel has also outlived both of their daughters. Today, her family includes three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
She Even Got a Visit From the King
Becoming the oldest living person comes with a few perks.
Last year, King Charles III visited Ethel shortly after her 116th birthday. During their conversation, she remembered watching his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales and told him that all the girls were in love with him back then. Apparently, 116 years of life doesn’t dull one's ability to make the king laugh.
Ethel has had other firsts, too. She survived COVID-19 after contracting it at 110, and Guinness World Records says she’s now the last living person born before 1910. She’s also the 13th-oldest verified person ever.
Her Secret to a Long Life Is Pretty Simple
Naturally, when someone celebrates a 117th birthday, we all want to know the secret to a long life. Ethel has offered a few pieces of wisdom over the years.
She's spoken about maintaining a positive attitude, enjoying things in moderation, and saying yes when opportunities come along. She’s also credited her longevity, at least in part, to avoiding arguments.
There may be something to longevity in her family, too. Her sister, Gladys, lived to 104.
Ethel Is Still Looking Forward to What's Next
These days, Ethel lives in a care home where the garden has even been named Ethel's Garden in her honor.
After 117 years, countless adventures, and more than a few pages of history, perhaps the sweetest part is that she's still collecting firsts as she looks forward to 118.
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