At 116 years old, Ethel Caterham has witnessed the entire tapestry of the 20th and 21st centuries unfold. Born in 1909, she has lived through two world wars, the sinking of the Titanic, and the digital revolution. Now officially recognized as the world’s oldest living woman, her milestone has prompted a natural question: what is the secret to such an extraordinarily long life? Her answer is not a special diet or a rigorous exercise routine, but a simple, profound philosophy of personal peace and quiet self-assurance.
Ethel’s formula for longevity is as straightforward as it is wise: “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.” This deceptively simple statement reveals a life lived with emotional intelligence and a strong sense of self. She avoids the draining energy of conflict and the stress of confrontation, choosing instead to listen—a sign of respect and patience. However, the final part of her secret, “I do what I like,” underscores a lifelong commitment to personal autonomy, a trait she has maintained even while residing in her care home in Surrey.
Her resilience is as remarkable as her age. In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ethel contracted the virus. At 110 years old, she was in one of the most vulnerable demographics, yet she overcame the illness, adding ‘Covid survivor’ to her list of incredible life achievements. Her ability to survive such a threat so late in life speaks to a formidable constitution, both physical and mental, that has carried her through over a century of challenges.
Ethel’s life is a living history lesson. She was a toddler when the Titanic sank and the last surviving person to have lived under the reign of King Edward VII. Her personal journey took her to India as an au pair at 18, and she later married her husband, Norman, at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933. She is now a great-grandmother, and longevity seems to run in the family, with her sister Gladys having lived to the age of 104.
Mark McKinley, a director at Guinness World Records, noted that Ethel never sought to be a record-breaker. Her life has been one of quiet consistency, not dramatic pursuit. Her secret suggests that a long life may be less about a specific checklist and more about a sustained attitude: the avoidance of stressful conflict, the practice of listening, and the gentle, unwavering commitment to one’s own happiness. In a noisy world, Ethel Caterham’s quiet independence has been her greatest strength.
