• Ethel Caterham celebrated her 116th birthday on August 21, 2025.
• She became the world's oldest person following the death of Inah Canabarro Lucas.
• Caterham's longevity secret includes a motto of never arguing.
• She received letters from King Charles III on her previous birthdays.
• Caterham lives in a care home in Surrey, UK.

The world's oldest living person, British woman Ethel Caterham, celebrated her 116th birthday on August 21, 2025. She assumed the title in April after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas. Originally born in Shipton Bellinger, England, Caterham’s remarkable lifespan includes living through two World Wars and several historical milestones, including the Titanic disaster and the Russian Revolution, according to BBC, thejakartapost, and CBS News.

Caterham marked the occasion quietly with her family at her care home in Surrey, south of London. The facility stated that Ethel would be taking the day "at her own pace," reflecting her gratitude for the messages of goodwill she has received from around the world. Historically, Caterham has shown openness to royal communications, including receiving letters of congratulations from King Charles III, although she has not planned any public interviews as she has preferred privacy during this milestone, according to thejakartapost and CBS News.

The great-grandmother attributes her longevity to a simple philosophy: "Never arguing with anyone! I listen and I do what I like," which she has shared with the public in the past. Furthermore, she has outlived both of her daughters and her husband, Norman, who passed away in 1976. Even into her late 90s, Caterham remained active, only giving up driving shortly before she turned 100, according to BBC and CBS News.

Caterham is recognized by several organizations, including the Guinness World Records and the Gerontological Research Group, as the oldest living person. Her age remains a testament to her resilience and adaptability, having even survived a bout of COVID-19 at age 110, reflected by her experiences shared with the media, according to thejakartapost and CBS News.