The world’s oldest living person, Ethel Caterham, is celebrating her 116th birthday today, August 21, and has received warm birthday wishes from Guinness World Records.
Born on August 21, 1909, Caterham was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in April 2025 as the oldest living person following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who passed away at 116 on April 30, 2025.
Caterham, who is also the oldest woman living and the oldest person in the United Kingdom, now resides in a care home in Surrey, England, managed by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes. The care home shared a statement on her behalf with Good Morning America:
“Ethel and her family are deeply grateful for all the kind messages and interest shown as she celebrates her 116th birthday this year,” the statement read. “Ethel has once again chosen not to give any interviews, preferring to spend the day quietly with her family so she can enjoy it at her own pace. The King may be her one concession, understandably! Thank you again for the kind wishes on this special day.”
Guinness World Records also marked the milestone with a heartfelt message:
“Guinness World Records wishes Ethel Caterham a happy birthday! We honor her record-breaking life and wish her all the best as she turns 116.”
In an interview with The Associated Press in May, Caterham attributed her longevity partly to her easygoing nature. “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said.
Back in 2011, she told Britain’s Salisbury Journal, “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.”
Born in the village of Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire, Caterham was one of eight siblings. Her older sister, Gladys Babilas, also lived a long life, passing away at 104 in March 2002.
Caterham married Norman Caterham in 1933; he passed away in 1976. The couple had two children, Gem and Anne, both of whom she outlived—Gem died in the early 2000s, and Anne succumbed to cancer in February 2020 at age 82. She is also a grandmother of three and a great-grandmother of five.
