At a remarkable 115 years old, Ethel Caterham claims the title of the world's oldest living person, crediting her longevity to avoiding arguments and doing whatever she pleases—life lessons from a 1909 vintage!

Ethel Caterham, who was born in the days of horse-drawn carriages and tea with the Queen, has discovered that a peaceful life filled with 'doing what she likes' is the true elixir of youth. As the last surviving person from the 1900s and now the proud owner of a Royal congratulatory letter, Caterham's simple philosophy of dodging disputes is a refreshingly sage reminder that perhaps life is too short to waste on heated debates—or social media comment sections.

Ethel Caterham's journey began on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, England, where she was the second youngest in a bustling household of eight siblings. With that many siblings, it's no wonder she honed her listening skills—along with the ability to nod in agreement while secretly planning her escape to more peaceful pastures.

Fast forward to 2025, and Ethel Caterham, at 115 years old, is recognized as the oldest living person. She has outlived her predecessor, Sister Inah Canabarro, who was just a youthful 116 years old when her reign ended on April 30, 2025. Ethel remains unshaken, confidently waving goodbye to her competition from a comfy armchair, her secret tucked safely between the pages of her favorite book.

At the tender age of 18, Ethel traded the familiar confines of England for the expansive landscapes of British India, working as a nanny. Perhaps it was here she fully embraced the benefits of a non-confrontational approach—dealing with children is typically much easier when you feel empowered to ignore their theatrics. After all, those future adults will always have opinions, and it turns out, so do nannies—though Ethel seems to have chosen the latter wisely.

Back in 1931, Caterham met her future husband, Lt. Col. Norman Caterham. Their connection blossomed and culminated in marriage in 1933. Ethel's ability to listen also proved beneficial during that courtship; there is likely no better skill to possess for navigating the complexities of romantic relationships—especially in the days when 'swiping left' meant ignoring the letter from a suitor.

Ethel is now the proud matriarch of a thriving family, boasting three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. One can only imagine the wisdom she shares with them, perhaps emphasizing that life should be more about enjoying cake and less about losing sleep over trivial disagreements. There’s also the added perk of never having to participate in group chats—darling, imagine the endless battles of opinions those could spark! Better to stick with a simple phone call or, even better, a relaxing, lengthy nap, which we suspect might be another secret ingredient in her longevity recipe.

Her 115th birthday celebrations drew attention not just from family but also from the Royal Family, culminating in a congratulatory letter from King Charles III. While most of us may have to settle for a Facebook post on our birthdays, Ethel receives royal recognition—proof that a lifetime of listening (and not arguing, we presume) might just pay off in unexpected ways.

Residing in Surrey for over 50 years, Ethel has seen the world change drastically. From witnessing the introduction of metal coins to the era of digital currency, one thing remains constant: her commitment to a serene existence. With the entire world in a perpetual state of debate, it seems that she holds the golden ticket, unfazed by the daily squabbles that consume others.

In a world where age often comes with a list of ailments, Ethel's long life is a testament to the idea that being opinionated can be optional. Perhaps the real lesson is that it's easier to enjoy the ride when you’re not constantly looking for conflict or trying to convince the neighbor that their lawn is an eyesore. Instead, Ethel has dedicated her life to crafting her version of happiness, which notably includes 'doing what she likes'—and it seems that involves being a splendidly tranquil nonagenarian.

Ethel Caterham has shown that the art of living well goes beyond the usual health fads and the latest longevity hacks. Maybe in a world obsessed with being right, the most rejuvenating answer has been sitting quietly between the lines; simply listen, nod appreciatively, and then retreat gracefully into your preferred comfort zone. It's a strategy that appears to have served Ethel well for an impressive 115 years—and who are we to argue with that?