World's oldest living person celebrates 117th birthday
Ethel Caterham has officially unlocked an age a lot of people can barely comprehend. Caterham, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person and oldest living woman, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday with family and friends. And despite having lived through two world wars, the invention of television, the moon landing, the internet and whatever exactly happened to Twitter, she says she is still looking forward to seeing what another year brings.
“I've had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!” Caterham told ABC News.
She was born when Edward VII was king
Caterham was born in the United Kingdom on August 21, 1909, when Edward VII was on the throne. To put that into perspective, King Charles III is the great-great-grandson of the king under whom she was born". Caterham actually met Charles last September, where she recalled watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
So this is not just someone who has lived through history. She has lived long enough to watch some of it come back around. And apparently, the 117-year-old is not done collecting new experiences.
Her 117th year included a llama and the King
Caterham marked her latest birthday with a surprisingly wholesome list of "firsts." Among them? Stroking a llama. She also held hands with King Charles III.
“Even at 117, I've had many firsts this year,” Caterham said. At 117, she is still finding ways to add new entries to the highlight reel.
She became the world's oldest person last year
Caterham took the Guinness World Records title in 2025 after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died at the age of 116. Guinness now recognizes Caterham as both the oldest living person and the oldest living woman.
The organization congratulated her on the milestone, calling the dual record something worth celebrating with her loved ones.
What's the secret to living this long?
Caterham has previously offered an answer, although it is considerably less complicated than the wellness industry's usual recommendations. She has suggested that her longevity may partly come down to being non-confrontational with other people.
There might be something to that or maybe Caterham simply got extraordinarily lucky with genetics, circumstances, and a lifetime of choices. Either way, at 117, she has earned the right to keep her secrets. And if her birthday is any indication, Caterham is not treating 117 as an ending. She's already wondering what 118 has in store.
Source: ABC News
