World’s oldest living person reveals her secret to a long life

2 May 2025 • 2:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • 115-year-old Ethel Caterham from Surrey, UK, is now the world's oldest living person.
  • Born in 1909, she has lived through major historical events, including two world wars and the reigns of six monarchs.
  • Ms Caterham became the oldest person alive after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas in April.
  • She married in 1933, lived in various locations due to her husband's military career, and has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
  • Ms Caterham attributes her long life to never arguing with anyone, she said: “I listen and I do what I like.”

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