World’s Oldest Person Shares Her Secret
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Ethel Caterham was born in the UK in 1909, when the great-great grandfather of the current king was sitting on the nation’s throne, and has just turned 117.
She was the 7th of 8 children, and attributes her longevity to a “nonconfrontational” attitude in life; never arguing, while rarely compromising. “Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King! I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”
Caterham, the last surviving subject of Edward VII (1841 - 1910), acceded to the title after the previous record holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, died at the age of 116. The new record holder lives in a care home just south of London, and puts her longevity down to her attitude to life. “I’ve taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows,” she told the BBC, saying she has a maxim of “never arguing with anyone”. She added: “I listen and I do what I like.”
In her youth she loved travel, and worked as a nanny for a British family living in India. The work allowed her 3 years to explore the subcontinent where she met her husband Norman, a major in the British Army.
Caterham, who married in Salisbury Cathedral in 1933, has lived in Surrey for 50 years and has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. “I’ve been all over the world and I’ve ended up in this lovely home, where everyone is falling over themselves for me, giving me everything I want,” she said.
